Samhain — Celtic New Year / Halloween

The Celtic New Year in the heart of Romagna

Every October 31st, the village of Riolo Terme, in the Province of Ravenna, stages one of the most evocative and distinctive events in Emilia-Romagna: Samhain — Celtic New Year. Far from commercialized imported Halloween, the event revives the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of the light season, the entry into the dark period of the year, and the time when the veil between the world of the living and that of the ancestors became thinner. It is from this root that, over thirty years ago, one of Italy's best-known and longest-running Celtic re-enactments was born, now recognized by the National Union of Pro Loco of Italy as a National Historical Quality Event.

A village that transforms

For an entire night, the historic center, gathered around the majestic Rocca (Fortress) and its moat, takes on a timeless atmosphere. Ancient Celtic villages with their encampments and artisans at work, and druids performing propitiatory rites around sacred fires are recreated along the village streets. The main theme is the eternal struggle between good and evil, told through processions of fantastic creatures, costumed participants, and hundreds of artists who animate every corner of the town.

Music, fire, and spectacle

The soundtrack of the evening is provided by powerful drum and percussion bands accompanying the numerous parades of performing groups, along with fire jugglers, stilt walkers, circus artists, and moments of itinerant theater. There are also food stalls with the flavors of Romagna tradition and stalls selling Celtic-themed markets with rural products and crafts.

The ritual of the monster's burning

The most anticipated moment arrives around midnight: the final battle between the forces of good and evil concludes with the triumphant and evocative burning of the monster in the moat of the Rocca, accompanied by a grand explosion of fireworks launched from inside the castle. It is the propitiatory rite that closes the long Samhain night and symbolically marks the beginning of the Celtic new year.

A free event for everyone

Organized by the Pro Loco of Riolo Terme, the event has free admission and attracts thousands of visitors every year from all over Romagna and beyond, confirming itself as one of the flagship events of autumn in Emilia-Romagna.