The Italy! Mamma Mia! Blog

Sep 30, 2026

Halloween in Venice and the Veneto

Halloween is not traditionally an Italian holiday, but things have changed. Over the past few years, October 31 has become an increasingly popular excuse for parties, dressing up and, of course, eating something sweet. And there is perhaps no Italian setting more atmospheric for Halloween than Venice.

By the end of October, the summer crowds have thinned, the evenings are darker, and the narrow streets and canals take on a completely different character.

Add a little fog, the flickering lights reflected in the water and the shadows around the old palazzi, and Venice really doesn't need much help to look mysterious.

We took the vaporetto home on Halloween night last year, near midnight, and the water was so still it looked like glass. A few kids in masks ran past us near Campo Santa Margherita, laughing, and an old woman outside her door just shook her head and smiled. That's Venice for you. The old and the new, sharing the same bridge.

You will see children dressed up for Halloween, particularly in the areas where local families live, and some bars, restaurants and hotels organise Halloween-themed evenings. There are also occasional special events at historic buildings and attractions. But don't expect Venice to turn into an Italian version of an American Halloween town.

The Veneto: Where Halloween Gets an Italian Twist

Away from Venice, Halloween can be even more fun because local communities often put their own Italian twist on the evening. In towns and villages across the Veneto, you may find children going from shop to shop asking for sweets, costume parties and events organised by local associations. Some towns use castles, historic buildings or old town centres as the setting for Halloween evenings, which can be wonderfully atmospheric.

My aunt in Treviso still bakes zucca into risotto this time of year, and the kids go door to door in the village, but it's quiet, polite. You ring, you say dolcetto o scherzetto, you get a candy and maybe a chestnut. Nobody's trying to scare anybody. The fear, if there is any, comes from the stories. The plague, the wars, the lovers who didn't make it.

Beyond the Costumes: An Older Tradition

There is also an older Italian tradition that fits surprisingly well with Halloween: remembering the dead. All Saints' Day, Ognissanti, falls on November 1, followed by All Souls' Day, Il Giorno dei Morti, on November 2. These are deeply rooted Italian traditions, when families remember relatives who have died and visit cemeteries.

So if you are in the Veneto around October 31, enjoy the costumes and the sweets, but look beyond the imported Halloween decorations too. The days surrounding Halloween are an interesting glimpse into the way Italy combines a modern celebration with much older traditions. And honestly? A glass of vin brulé, a long walk, a shiver that might just be the wind off the water—that's enough.

Aug 30, 2026

Earthquake Risk in Italy: The Dangerous Areas

People often ask me where earthquake risk in Italy is highest. Well, we’ve got the answer—not just the most dangerous areas but also the safest ones too!

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Aug 26, 2026

Trulli, Secrets & Slow Mornings: Maria’s Alberobello Travel Guide

Sleep inside a fairy-tale Trulli cone, wake up to church bells. Alberobello is stone roofs, cobbled lanes. The kind of place that stays with you and changes you

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Aug 22, 2026

A Bridge to Far?

Today I want to talk about one of Italy’s oldest dreams – one that pops up every few years as if it were brand new: the famous Bridge over the Strait of Messina.

I remember hearing about it when I was a little girl, and every time the politicians announce, “This time, it’s really happening.” Yet here we are again.

Italy’s Court of Auditors has raised serious objections to the project, meaning the approval process has to go back another step. The government is now working to address the Court’s concerns and resubmit the project for approval.

The government insists the bridge will still be built. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Infrastructure Minister Matteo Salvini remain firmly behind it, with the ambition still being to get construction underway in 2026 and open the bridge in 2034.

But this is where my scepticism kicks in.

The project is now estimated to cost around €13.5 billion, and questions have been raised about costs, environmental regulations, seismic issues, engineering and the approval process. The proposed bridge would also have a central span of about 3.3 kilometres.

Honestly, I don’t believe the politicians anymore.

Not because I don’t want to. I love the idea of finally connecting Sicily properly with mainland Italy. Better connections could bring enormous benefits to Sicily and the whole south.

But we’ve heard this story too many times.

Governments change. Ministers make announcements. Billions are allocated. Plans are redrawn. Then lawyers, engineers and politicians start arguing – and the whole thing slips further into the future.

I’ll believe in the Bridge over the Strait of Messina when I see it being built.

When I see the cranes rising, the workers on site and the enormous structures beginning to take shape across the Strait.

Until then, I’m not holding my breath.

Maybe this really will be the time Italy finally does it. And when that day comes, I’ll be the first to celebrate.

But for now, I’ll remain cautiously sceptical.

Italy is a wonderful country, capable of extraordinary dreams. It’s just that some Italian dreams seem to take an extraordinarily long time to wake up.

Jul 28, 2026

Why Polignano al Mare Steals Every Heart

Polignano al Mare, Puglia’s dramatic cliffside town. I've all the local food secrets for you, plus those hidden views, train travel tips, and when to visit.

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Jul 19, 2026

Why You Should Visit Bari Before Everyone Else Does

Bari is where the heart and soul of Puglia is to be found. Bari is real, Bari is vibrant and Bari is enchanting. Watch out for flying wooden spoons though...

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Jul 19, 2026

11 Secrets That Make Southern Italy Completely Unforgettable

Grab your bucket list! I’m sharing eleven hidden gems in Southern Italy—breathtaking places you won’t believe exist. Discover them before everyone else does!

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Jul 06, 2026

Siena: Italian History, Palio, and Tuscan Delights in a Single City

Siena stole my heart, and I know it'll steal yours too—between the Palio's roar, the wine's warmth, and the light that feels like gold. This is the real Tuscany

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Jul 05, 2026

Rome & Amalfi Coast Itinerary: Your Dream Italian Vacation is Ready

Discover Italy’s best! Wander through Rome’s iconic landmarks, then escape to the Amalfi Coast for sun, sea, and stunning scenery—all in one trip.

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Jun 20, 2026

€50 to Enter Venice?

A controversial proposal by Venice's new mayor could see day-trippers paying up to €50 to enter the city during peak periods.

Venice has always been a city unlike any other. A place of beauty, history, romance, and wonder. But now, if Venice's new mayor gets his way, day-trippers could soon be paying as much as €50 just to enter the city.

The proposal comes from Venice's newly elected mayor, Simone Venturini, who believes higher fees will help manage the overwhelming number of visitors arriving on the busiest days. Venice already charges day visitors an access fee on selected dates, with prices currently ranging from €5 to €10 depending on when you book. The mayor now wants permission from the Italian government to raise that amount dramatically during peak periods.

I understand the problem. Anyone who has visited Venice in summer knows how crowded it can become. The city faces enormous costs maintaining its canals, bridges, historic buildings, and public services. Tourism brings money, but it also brings challenges.

Still, I worry about the message this sends.

Venice is not a theme park. It is a living city, home to real people who shop for groceries, go to work, and raise their families among some of the world's most beautiful surroundings. Charging €50 to enter risks turning Venice into an exclusive attraction available only to those who can easily afford it.

There is another concern too. The existing entry fee has raised money, but it has done little to reduce visitor numbers. Crowds have continued to arrive despite the charges. If €10 has not significantly changed behaviour, will €50 really solve the problem? Or will it simply make Venice seem less welcoming?

Venice desperately needs protection from overtourism. On that there is little disagreement. The question is whether higher entrance fees are the answer.

As someone who loves Venice, I hope the city finds a balance that protects its fragile beauty while ensuring that future generations can still experience the magic of wandering through its quiet canals, hidden squares, and timeless streets without feeling they have bought a ticket to an amusement park.

Jun 17, 2026

Your Guide to the Best Beaches Near Rome-Locals Don’t Want You to Know

Looking for the best beaches near Rome, those that aren’t packed with thousands of tourists? We found the best of them all. Your beach getaway from Rome awaits

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Jun 17, 2026

The 11 Most Beautiful Towns in Italy

Discover Italy's best-kept secret: 11 breathtakingly beautiful towns and villages that will captivate your heart and leave you longing to explore more.

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Jun 04, 2026

Before You Move to Sicily or Calabria, Read This First

Dreaming of a new life in Italy? For many people, Sicily and Calabria seem irresistible. Both offer stunning coastlines, charming villages, warm weather, and a lower cost of living than many other parts of Italy. However, before packing your bags, there are some important realities you need to consider—especially if you're planning to retire or spend your later years in Italy.

Healthcare Can Be a Serious Concern

One of the biggest factors to consider when choosing where to live in Italy is healthcare. While Italy's healthcare system is often ranked among the best in the world, the quality of care varies considerably from one region to another.

Unfortunately, Sicily and Calabria have struggled for years with healthcare-related challenges. Waiting lists can be long, specialist appointments may take months, and some hospitals lack the resources available in central and northern Italy. It is not uncommon for residents to travel hundreds of miles to other regions for important procedures or specialist care.

For retirees and anyone with ongoing health concerns, this can become a major issue. A beautiful home overlooking the Mediterranean loses some of its appeal when accessing quality healthcare becomes difficult.

Other Challenges of Living in Southern Italy

Healthcare is only part of the picture. Both Sicily and Calabria face economic challenges, higher unemployment levels, and less developed infrastructure than many parts of central and northern Italy. Public transport can be limited outside the larger cities, and dealing with bureaucracy often requires patience.

While these regions are wonderful for holidays, daily life can sometimes prove more complicated than newcomers expect. Many expats arrive enchanted by the scenery but later discover that practical matters have a much greater impact on their happiness.

Why Umbria Is a Better Alternative

If you're looking for a region that offers beauty, authenticity, and a higher quality of life, Umbria deserves serious consideration. Known as Italy's Green Heart, Umbria is famous for its rolling hills, medieval towns, excellent food, and welcoming communities.

The region also benefits from generally stronger healthcare services, good transport connections, and a central location that makes exploring the rest of Italy easy. Best of all, property prices and living costs remain reasonable compared to many of Italy's most famous destinations.

Before You Make Your Decision

Every region of Italy has its attractions, but moving abroad requires looking beyond postcard views and sunny beaches. For many expats, Umbria offers a more balanced and practical lifestyle than either Sicily or Calabria.

Click the Continue Reading link below to discover why Umbria may be the ideal place for your new life in Italy.

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