Halloween in Stuttgart: where the tradition comes from and how to celebrate it

Every year on 31 October, streets and flats in Stuttgart turn into spooky stage sets: carved pumpkins, children in costumes, paper bats in the windows. But where does Halloween actually come from?

Origins: from a Celtic festival to pumpkin night

The roots lie in the Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of summer and the harvest. The name “Halloween” comes from “All Hallows’ Eve”, the evening before All Saints’ Day. Irish emigrants took the custom to North America, where turnip lanterns became pumpkin lanterns. In Germany Halloween has only become widespread since the 1990s.

How it is celebrated today

Children go from door to door in costume shouting “trick or treat!”. Add carved pumpkins, costume parties and horror films. If you want to celebrate with family or friends, plan ahead – many restaurants are busy on 31 October.

And in Italy?

In Italy 1 and 2 November are All Saints’ Day (Ognissanti) and All Souls’ Day. People visit the graves of loved ones and bake traditional sweets such as “fave dei morti”, small almond biscuits. Halloween is a more recent import that sits alongside these older traditions.

Halloween at L'Antica

Around Halloween, the design of our website puts on a festive look. At L'Antica Pizzeria Napoletana in Stuttgart you can enjoy Neapolitan pizza and fresh pasta. Want to drop by? Reserve a table or view the menu first.

More festivals & traditions: Christmas in Stuttgart and Italy · Valentine's Day in Stuttgart · Nowruz · Easter in Stuttgart and Italy