Ruginelloween

A Halloween That Has Become a Village Phenomenon

In Vimercate, in the heart of the Province of Monza and Brianza, the hamlet of Ruginello experiences one of its most anticipated nights every October 31st. Ruginelloween is the Halloween party organized by the association Amici di Ruginello APS, which started in 2018 as a small neighborhood initiative and has grown to become a major event for all of Brianza, attracting thousands of visitors and a dedicated group of volunteers involved in the installations.

How the Trail Works

For the evening, the streets and courtyards of Ruginello transform into an immersive horror trail. Upon entry, a map is distributed to guide visitors through the various locations: the blue points are accessible to everyone, while the red points are enclosed spaces accessible only with a pass. Among the most visited settings in recent editions were the Horror Circus, the Addams Family show, and horror readings designed for children.

Not Just Scares

Alongside the chilling scenery, the festival offers fire shows, entertainment, indoor animated readings for the little ones, refreshment stands, and street food. Each year, a thematic thread (in a recent edition, it was pirates, with a tavern and bartenders serving shots of fake blood to brave children) connects the different stages of the trail.

A Community Project

Ruginelloween is also, and above all, a community project: private homes, courtyards, and spaces within the hamlet are involved in the setup, often with house decoration contests. It is this deep connection to the village's fabric that makes the event different from a classic themed event, and the reason for its steady growth over the years within the Municipality of Vimercate.