Even we experienced coordinators learn something new all the time about the countries and cultures we deal with -- today, I learned about Halloween in Italy.
Halloween is not a recognized "official" holiday such as we have here in the United States, but you could say it exists in a different form. People will dress up in costumes and pumpkin decorations are common. Even trick-or-treating occurs.
All of this is imported from the U.S. -- but there is also an independent tradition which you might not be aware of, called Ognissanti or All Saints' Day on November 1st and Giorno dei Morti (Day of the Dead) on November 2nd. And let's not forget that Halloween itself as celebrated in the U.S. actually does come from European traditions! As with many traditions, there are similarities in addition to the differences.
How about you? What do you know about Halloween in other countries?
Maybe it's time to host an exchange student next year and share your Halloween traditions! Contact me to learn more.
