Here’s our Halloween trail favourites of where to take the kids in Abruzzo for the 31st of October, some of which run for 2-3 days to take in Italy’s traditional celebrations for this period
Halloween in its modern sense is a spooky, fun import to Abruzzo; it has grown in popularity over the last decade in Abruzzo! Costumes are available in shops to entice kids to dress up, and smooth American-style Jack O’Lantern pumpkins, easier to carve, are now sold in supermarkets; pumpkin patches abound! Halloween is often viewed as a commercial addition to the calendar, rather than a replacement for Abruzzo’s own meaningful celebrations, which can be read about here.
Halloween in Abruzzo 2025
Sunday 25-26th October – Pumpkin Patch 2025 & Saturday 1st – Sunday 2nd November – Halloween
If you are seeking a lavish Halloween experience on a heritage farm, a visit to Fattoria Valle Magica could be just what you need to give the kids an activity-filled spooky day. The owners of the farm are an Irish and Dutch family who raise traditional Abruzzo Black pigs, among other rare breeds of animals, for curious children to learn about. Expect fancy dress and carved pumpkin head competitions, spooky stories, trick or treating, bobbing doughnuts, artisan gift stands, a lunch of porchetta or if you prefer a barbecue of some of their acclaimed flavoursome meats, and of course taking a short hike with donkeys. Doors open at 11.00, meeting the Witch and her raven. Italian, English, and Dutch are spoken. Pre-booking Essential. Buy tickets online here
31st October – 2nd November – La Notte Delle Lumère n.8,
An event hosted by Santo Stefano di Sessanio that weaves you through the medieval streets, accompanied by donkeys, music, and tales that step back in time to hear and experience how the traditional ‘New Year’, the Capetièmpe was celebrated by the farming community in its celebrations between 31st October and San Martino day. Hosts Gira e Rigira (read our review of donkey hiking with them). Italian and English are spoken. Pre-booking essential.
Friday 31st October – Saturday 1st November, L’Aneme de le Morte,
Serramoncesca, PE, L’Aneme de Le Morte (Celebrations on the 1st November on the eve of ‘Il Giorno dei Morti’, Day of the Dead). A fun, very atmospheric celebration that takes Abruzzesi rites and customs with a hint of Halloween for a very traditional celebration ready for ‘i Morti’ on the 2nd of November that remembers deceased members of the family. Expect lots and lots of pumpkins, great food, roasted chestnuts, and live music. Afternoon events for children include a local version of trick or treating with the children dressed up as deceased carrying their carved ‘Cocce de morte’ (Jack O’Lanterns). Read more
Friday 31st October, Roccascalegna Castle (CH)
Halloween at Roccascalegna, the castle that was featured in the TV Series In the Name of the Rose and has 2 days of events this year, including an Illusionist. You can buy food and drinks at the event
Admission with a reduced ticket price for those in fancy dress! Pre-booking essential, book here.
Where to Stay for Halloween in Abruzzo
Check out our rentals and B&Bs on our Abruzzo Connections Directory
Halloween in Abruzzo Map
Read More
Capetiempe in Abruzzo: The Farmers’ New Year
Halloween, All Saints & Remembering the Dead in Abruzzo
Author: Sam Dunham
Sam is a freelance SEO content creator and IGCSE Geography and English teacher in Rome. She also runs the Life In Abruzzo Cultural Association, sharing stories and insights about this captivating region. Alongside raising a teenager, Sam hosts guests at her family’s traditional home, the Little House of the Firefly in Abruzzo, offering a warm welcome and insider tips on local culture, food, and hidden gems.
