Italy: ognissanti

In Italy, people celebrate the modern, imported celebration of “Halloween” alongside the older, traditional “Ognissanti” festivities.

“Ognissant” translates to “All Saint’s Day,” and it falls on November 1-2. However, people often begin the celebrations a day or two in advance.

During Ognissanti, tradition holds that the souls of the deceased come back to visit their living relatives. People decorate cemeteries with fall chrysanthemums. They leave food out for visiting spirits.  In some parts of Italy, parents leave gifts out for their children on behalf of their dead relatives, almost like a miniature Christmas.

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Traditions around the world

Italy: ognissanti

Italy: ognissanti In Italy, people celebrate the modern, imported celebration of “Halloween” alongside the older, traditional “Ognissanti” festivities. “Ognissant” translates to “All Saint’s Day,” and

Read More »