trick or treat Mr. Philippe !

I'm just back from Italy (Liguria, Toscana e Umbria) I did not feel a hard pressure on Halloween as was the case in france some years ago. Even here, in West Provence, the pressure has came down over the years and the supermarkets did not put in sale a lot of black/orange merchandising as they used to do in the years 2010.
What is the use for Halloween in Italy where the tradition of the Befana is so vivid, truly local, and so funny?
What I loved in my trip is that Italy is still somewhat preserved from the americanisation/globalization of the world. Unfortunately, there are signs that even there, things are not getting better. In the city of Carrara 2 out of 3 shops were 'Vendesi" or "Affitasi" which was a very sad view, while a giant supermarket, just at the exit of the city, had its car park full with cars
Now tonight, I have prepared a full basket of sweets. I dont know if children will come to ask for them but children are children. They are not responsible for the corruption of our traditions. They watch TV cartoons where children ask for sweets, and they want the same. And I will not be the one to spoil their dreams.
I wish you a very saint day of Ognissanti tomorrow.

PS thanks for the charming withches if children are children, men are men

I have had a visit from two families of kids already (5pm), dressed as witches and goblins in the 'old' tradition.
They even chanted the old rhymes which made me smile.
Being an old fart I always have a basket of sweets and chocs ready for visitors.

Earlier today I watched the news from Japan on NHK (as I normally do).
Everyone seemed to be dressed as superheros and manga charactersfor Halloween     ...

.... it was not the same and no feelings tradition.

Old Rob
P.S. You can keep Madonna, Britney Spears and Lady GaGa... I'll take one of the ladies posted here

Rob Ryder wrote:I have had a visit from two families of kids already (5pm), dressed as witches and goblins in the 'old' tradition.
They even chanted the old rhymes which made me smile.
Being an old fart I always have a basket of sweets and chocs ready for visitors.

Earlier today I watched the news from Japan on NHK (as I normally do).
Everyone seemed to be dressed as superheros and manga charactersfor Halloween     ...

.... it was not the same and no feelings tradition.

Old Rob
P.S. You can keep Madonna, Britney Spears and Lady GaGa... I'll take one of the ladies posted here

I love anglo-saxon traditions when they are uncorrupted and occur in the countries where they belong. The only thing I regret is that they tend to replace our own traditions home. I love the world to be diverse with Cherry blossom in Japan,  Befanas in Italy, Easter processions or Moros y Crstianos in Spain, 14 juillet ball in France, Halloween in the British Isles and Thanksgiving in North America.... I must be an old fart, certainly

Here in Bretagne, Halloween has a strong revival as many of us are happy to retrieve our Celtic roots.
Personally I'm not very fond of this, but this was an occasion to have a beer with friends from my former rugby club, and this kind of occasion I never refuse.

Thanks for the ladies They prove it is not necessary to show much to be attractive. A nice smile is much better.

I agree with both of you, the main charm of women is in their eyes and their smiles, not under their dresses.