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Happy Halloween From Italy -
 
More Italians are celebrating Halloween but not in the same way as we do in the US.  Trick or treating from house to house is not a part of the holiday tradition but Italians do like to play dress up and frequently have parties at  a friend's home.
 
In the shop windows there are decorations with pumpkins and "living statues" are part of the street theater tradition of Europe that is especially suited to the fantasy and atmosphere of Halloween.
 
Halloween Living Statue
Halloween Living Statue in Florence
Halloween, Hamburgers and the Pope
 
An overpublicized article in the European news about the Pope wanting to ban Halloween describing it as a"dangerous anti-Christian festival" was the topic of conversation in Italy this week. However the comments, although they appeared in the Vatican's official newspaper L'Osservatore Romano, are not attributed to the Pope but to the author of the article who further states that everyone should direct their holiday celebrations to the "wholesomeness and beauty of the celebration". I  don't think you have to tell most Italians to focus on fun and food as a reason for a celebration as evidenced by this poster I saw on Thursday at a McDonald's outside of Florence where by the way I had a hamburger with pecorino cheese and argula. 
More treats from our Annual Fall Buying Trip  - Many interesting stories and positive meetings with my vendors and producers in Italy including some new and very exciting products.  Visited a latteria and caseificio south of Bologna. Also an agrinascenti where farm producers bring their products to sell outside of Parma and of course spent time with winemakers in Tuscany as well as visiting my olive oil vendors and an afternoon at a cooking school making tortellini and tacchino (turkey)!

Look for the next newsletter with more information and news about a very special upcoming event.