Although Sardinia is an island renowned for its blue sky, warm temperatures, the Costa Smeralda's crystal clear waters and the colorful murals of the hinterland's towns, if you love Halloween it won't be difficult to get in the mood.
Contrary to what people believe Halloween is not a celebration very far-removed from Sardinian traditions, the cult of the dead is an important part of the local customs and practices and the similarities with the most famous Halloween are more striking than the differences.
The day of the dead has roots in the past and is celebrated in every country: customs and traditions are all really interesting. In Germany the tradition states that all the knives are stowed away so that the spirits who come back don't hurt themselves, in England the kids carry lanterns traditionally made from a large turnip known as Punkies and in Ireland, that seems to be the place of origin of Halloween, the bonfire burn like it was in the days of the Celtics.
But, back to us: although Halloween is a pagan holiday, even the Catholic Church celebrates the commemoration of the deads. Also in Sardinia kids knocks at the door asking " trick or trick" ( "morti morti" is really difficult to translate but the sentence literally means " dead dead!"). Now the kids get candies, and other treats but once they used to get typical pastry made for the occasion as the "papassini".
Into the homes, people make a dinner and set the table specially for the beloved deceased ones with the typical " maccarrones longos" a particular type of pasta with tomato sauce, or coffee with biscuits adding some personal effects that could make their dearly departed happy like tobacco or cologne ecc.
The celebration takes different names depending on the area: in the South Sardinia is called " Is Animeddas ", in Ogliastra " su Prugadoriu" and in Barbagia, Marghine e Goceano " su murti murti" while in Gallura " Li Molti e Molti".
If you're in Sardinia to take advantage of these sunny autumn days with warm temperatures, why not indulge in an unusual stop as a day trip to Padru and the ghost towns in its surroundings?
Avrio, Poltolu, Giuschereddu, Badu Andrìa e Piras.
Since many years the population has abbandoned these hamlets: bricked up windows, tumbled down stone walls and plants that grow unhindered turning stone houses into rocks enveloped by nature.
The time has suddenly stopped: and if you're inclined for something bolder, why not to go at dusk?
Gairo Vecchia:
Moving to Ogliastra we find Gairo. It seems that its name comes from the the Greek " Gae" and " Roa" that means " land that flows".
It is certainly the most famous ghost town in Sardinia and one of the most suggestive in Ogliastra: locals were forces to leave their homes after an heavy flooding in 1951. The characteristic pink and blue houses are abandoned among almond and chestnut trees and cardoon flowers.
During autumn and winter days the fog lifts providing a unique magical atmosphere.
If you're passionate about ghost towns, Sardegna Abbadonata is the website you're searching for.
And, to make your experience even more magical, here is the perfect playlist to get in the mood: https://goo.gl/RJ5KmH
Last but not least, if you're around Olbia, you can't miss " S'iscuru": a Halloween themed event held in the downtown of Olbia that will make feel the thrill of the spookiest of the Halloween with flash mobs, parades, activities for kids and much more.
Happy Halloween everyone!
Monday - Friday
10 am - 6 pm