I have always thought that Halloween is mainly an American invention, which has not really taken root anywhere else. How wrong can one be. Despite heavy rains, ice cold wind and very stormy weather in general, people here in Nervi were pretty determined to celebrate Halloween last night. This could also have something to do with the fact that we are having two public holidays (All Saints and All Souls Days) in the middle of the week, which means that it is a looooong weekend in Italy.
In our neighbourhood, children were dressed as witches and wizards, going around apartments. "Trick or treat" is a tradition well alive here. One particular group of kids in our apartment block were having lots of fun giggling for ages in the hallway before mustering enough courage to ring doorbells - they did collect quite a few treats. This week the bakeries have sold special, very yummy Halloween cookies and there has been Halloween costume parties at schools.
However, Halloween is not just for kids. In several Italian cities, Genoa included, many night time events are organised. A friend told me that in Genoa you can collect a map in the centre of town late in the evening. The map does not have street names. Your task is to find several "treasures" marked on the map and when you arrive to the spot, there might be a performance, delicious food or something else to remember.
I would have loved to test this, but sadly the storm kept us indoors with hot drinks and less spooky entertainment. Next year, perhaps. Winter has finally arrived, no doubt about it!
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