Time for pumpkins, costumes, ghosts and witches: Halloween is approaching!
It’s the perfect occasion to unleash your creativity, maybe organizing a nice costume party with your friends or family.
Halloween is a day dedicated to thrill and mystery: what better occasion to discover the secrets of an ancient city like Florence?
If you are looking for inspiration on how to spend your Halloween day among the mysteries of Florence, here are 10 ideas.
Firenze Halloween Run
Put on your best costume and get ready for a scary run!
The Florence Halloween Run is held every year, and consists of a 4km run in which everyone can participate. It starts at 20:00 from Parco delle Cascine.
It’s not too long a run, so it’s perfect to be followed by dinner.
If you wish, you can also dress up in theme, and during the event the best masks will be awarded.
Florence Creativity
For lovers of creativity, from October 28 to 31 at Fortezza da Basso there is the Florence Creativity fair.
This event celebrates creativity in all its forms, with many stands full of objects and original gift ideas. Small artisans, DIY enthusiasts, patchwork and much more come together in this event dedicated to the handmade world.
Counting bees in Piazza della Santissima Annunziata
Legends and superstitions are two typical elements of Halloween, and Florence is full of them.
Very popular superstition in Florence is the one about the beesof Piazza della Santissima Annunziata. In this square there is an equestrian monument to Ferdinand I, in front of the Museo degli Innocenti.
On this monument are carved some bees: they are an allegory of Florentine power which is concentrated in Ferdinand I, represented by the queen bee in the center.
According to an ancient superstition, it would be almost impossible to count all the bees, but whoever succeeds will attract good luck.
Walking in Via del Campanile
Via del Campanile is a historic street in Florence, home of a real event, very peculiar and perfect for the atmosphere of Halloween.
The story took place in the 14th century: the Florentine Ginevra degli Amieri, who lived in Via del Campanile, was believed dead by her husband. However, the death of the woman was only apparent. She woke up and went back to her husband, who chased her away believing her to be a ghost.
Ginevra degli Amieri then went to her secret lover. Since she was considered dead, the woman was considered by the clergy to be free from any marriage bond and could marry the man she loved.
A disturbing story but with a happy ending.
Escape Room Fox in a Box
Fancy a challenge? Then Fox in a Box is for you!
At Fox in a Box you’ll find several proposals for a memorable escape room.
You have 60 minutes to solve exciting puzzles and get out of the room. Collect evidence, examine clues, solve mysteries and above all have fun with your friends!
Orti del Parnaso
Halloween is a holiday dedicated to monsters, so how about meeting one?
At Orti del Parnaso, in the highest part of Giardino dell’Orticoltura, you can have a close encounter with a dragon.
But don’t worry! It’s just a colorful statue representing Pitone, a mythological creature that, according to myth, was defeated by Apollo on Mount Parnassus.
Visit the Stibbert Museum
This museum is a little treasure trove of secret Florence, also perfect for the creepy Halloween atmosphere.
Most of the collection of this museum is composed of weapons: there is, in fact, a European armory, an Islamic one and a Japanese one.
The museum shows peculiar and extravagant objects collected by Frederick Stibbert, an English collector who left his villa and all his collections to the city of Florence.
Galileo Museum
If you are passionate about science do not miss the opportunity to visit Museo Galileo.
In this museum, located in one of the oldest buildings in the city, you can admire ancient mathematical, astronomical, navigation and other instruments.
Among the most famous objects in the museum you can find the telescope with which Galileo discovered the satellites of Jupiter and the motions of the moon.
Drink at Rasputin
In this evening dedicated to mystery, why not order a drink in the most famous secret bar in Florence?
The real mystery is the location of Rasputin, hidden “somewhere in Santo Spirito“. If you find it, treat yourself to a cocktail as a reward.
Fotoautomatica
Feel like taking a selfie of yesteryear?
Put on your Halloween costume and go with your friends in search of Fotoautomatica booths.
These booths, scattered throughout the streets of Florence, will allow you to take a vintage photo but without filter, in black and white just like in the 1960s.
Halloween party: the dishes that cannot be missing
Thinking of planning a lunch or dinner party to celebrate Halloween?
Here are the dishes we recommend.
Chickpea patties with tzatziki our way
The delicate taste of chickpeas is combined with the pungent flavor of tzatziki sauce, made with our secret ingredient.
Tagliatelle with basil and datterino tomato confit
A simple dish, close to tradition. But have you ever seen green tagliatelle?
Our tagliatelle are tinged in green thanks to the basil enclosed in the dough.
The touch of magic that makes this dish unique is the caramelized tomato. A real treat.
Simply burger of red lentils and beet
Burger without meat but with a great taste.
Our simply burger comes with Severino Becagli’s vegan spirulina mayonnaise, vegan barbecue sauce and sweet & sour carrots.
If you’re wondering what the secret formula of vegan barbecue sauce is, we can’t unravel this sacred mystery. You have to come and find out, bite by bite.
Today’s cake
And for dessert? Let our chef’s imagination guide you.
Our cakes are constantly changing so you’ll never get bored.
Who knows what our chef will invent for the scariest night of the year… Come and find out!
Suggested drinks to make the party special
To accompany your party or for a special after dinner you need a good cocktail, suitable for the occasion.
It is still a party, so let’s celebrate with a drink!
Bloody Mary
Halloween drink par excellence, Bloody Mary is the protagonist of this evening.
Spectral in name and taste: vodka, tomato juice, fresh lemon juice, salt and pepper, Worchestershire sauce and a few drops of spicy Tabasco are the ingredients of this very special cocktail.
And do you know the legend behind the name Bloody Mary? There are several theories: according to some, the cocktail was given the name of a witch, according to others it would be a reference to Mary I of England, the queen who had at least 300 of her opponents executed.
A chilling cocktail.
Margarita
This cocktail born in Mexico is very popular during the period preceding the celebration of “dia de los muertos”, the peculiar Mexican celebration.
It is based on tequila, triple sec and lime juice: these ingredients give it a strong but definitely balanced taste.
And if you want a sweeter taste, this drink can be reproduced in numerous fruit variants.
Dry Martini
If you have chosen 007 for your Halloween costume, you absolutely must order the famous James Bond drink: the Dry Martini.
Dress up as the world’s most famous secret agent and enjoy the strong flavor of gin and dry vermouth.
The importance of location: why choose ORA
ORA‘s location is perfect to enjoy your Halloween party: in the center of Florence but away from the chaos of the city.
Here you can relax with a good drink and enjoy all the goodness of our natural and organic food.
You can reach us after a tour of the most peculiar and secret places of Florence, or end your evening with a walk in the city center, but be careful not to scare passers-by with your Halloween costume.
How to get to the ideal place for your party in Florence
Lunch or dinner? Whatever your ideal time to celebrate Halloween, we are there.
ORA is waiting for you from 12pm until 11pm. You can also stop by for a snack or an aperitif.
ORA is in Via San Zanobi 126R, 50129, at the corner of Via delle Ruote.
We are waiting for you to make your Halloween even more special.
