It's not always Christmas. Tomorrow, in fact, is Halloween, a holiday imported (obviously from the United States) that couldn't be more special. In fact, it could be even more special, considering that on the island, the cult of the dead is an ancient tradition: just look at "Is Animeddas" and "Is Panixeddas" in the south, "Su Mortu Mortu" and "Pedi Coccone" in the Nuoro and Sassari areas, and "Su Prugadoriu" in Ogliastra. The focus is on children: whatever you call it, this holiday brings an abundance of candy and sweets, without even the threat of an American "trick."

It's a celebration on the island

Yet Halloween, which has nothing to do with us, is starting to win over the hearts of Sardinians too. The number of followers of this custom, or perhaps it would be better to say "converts," nationwide is constantly growing: there are a total of 59 million Italians, and an estimated 11 million already celebrate this holiday. This rapid expansion of the "audience" is also growing at the same rate on the island.

The phenomenon

The Four Moors, now passionate about the stars-and-stripes celebration, are growing each year and are beginning to invest in one of humanity's great passions: money. Sales of candy, chocolates, snacks, and cookies have skyrocketed, especially pumpkins last month. In the European Union, sales of these foodstuffs increased by 13 percent in the run-up to Halloween, or €55 million. And while the moribund trade seems almost oblivious to the fact that the dead, paradoxically, can be good for business, this concept is being embraced by nightclubs, hotels, and venues normally used for celebrations: these days, they're hosting themed parties.

In mask

Never before has the offerings for Halloween been so rich and varied, obviously for children but also for adults. Just take a look at the offers circulating online, where the American cult of the dead is gaining followers among those who sell us entertainment here, to realize: the list is endless. To name just a few, in Cagliari there's the Addams Family at Palazzo Doglio, the Halloween Sardinia festival at the Fiera on Viale Diaz, the "Circus of Horrors" at the Teatro Massimo, parties at the Lido and the Convent of San Giuseppe, organized tours exploring Cagliari's darkest and most disturbing history, and even a treasure hunt amidst mysteries and legends at the Castello di San Michele. And the list goes on.

The appointments

It's impossible to list all the events organized in Sardinia, for the simple reason that there are so many. You can choose from those scheduled in Turri, where the Beranu Froriu park transforms into the Zucche park for the occasion, or the Acquafredda Castle in Siliqua, the Horse Country resort in Arborea. There's a festival in Sant'Antioco, "Su Mortu Mortu" through the streets of Sassari, the unmissable Su Prugadoriu in Seui, and the Halloween Fest in Tortolì. Still picking at random: "Maschere de paura" in Assemini, "Halloween da brivido" in Alghero, the party in Narcao, "Halloween in the villa" at Villa Percy in Badd'e Salighes di Bolotana, the party at Casa Ofelia in Sestu, and the one at the Palasport in Arbus. There's also a party at the Flower Park in Quartu, and so many others throughout Sardinia that it's impossible to name. In short, celebrations in honor of the dead have never been so alive.

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