Halloween in the Castelli Romani has a specific location: HUMO, in Marino. On October 30 and 31, November 1, and November 6, 7, and 8, the venue hosts “The Haunted Pumpkin Forest,” a village featuring spectacular arches, decorated paths, hundreds of pumpkins, and street performers dressed as living pumpkins and mysterious characters.
Things to do at the village
The program is designed primarily for children. Every day, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., they can meet Cyco, the pony: brushing, grooming, fun facts about anatomy and behavior, assisted riding, and free-range riding. The youngest children can also get on the pony while it’s standing still, subject to the instructor’s assessment.
Among the hay bales, visitors can play hay bale races, pumpkin bowling, ring toss on pumpkins, tic-tac-toe, and checkers. The traditional games of the “Buttero Contemporaneo” bring back the Game of the Rose, tug-of-war, sack races, capture the flag, and obstacle courses. Stilt walkers and jugglers will wander along the paths.
Creative workshops require a fee: pumpkin decorating, Catrina wreaths inspired by Día de Muertos, creative mosaics, sewing, and embroidery.
Music and Shows
October 30: At 6:00 PM, the magic and comedy show “Magicamente Clown Monello,” followed by a DJ set.
October 31: from 12:00 PM to 3:30 PM, the Clandestinos will perform their Latin-folk music; from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Team Rock’et will perform rock renditions of cartoon theme songs.
November 1: From 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, the traveling drummers of Caracca, with rhythms inspired by Brazil, and from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Mariachi Roma.
The music program for November 6, 7, and 8 is still being finalized.
Food and Drink
In addition to HUMO’s restaurant, Brasa y Música, there will be street food stands: fried pizza from Neppo, fresh handmade pasta from Sande featuring traditional Roman recipes, artisanal Ascolan olives and eggplant parmigiana, plus desserts. Rounding out the offerings are the Beer Park, drinks, and a handmade and vintage market.
Dates, times, and tickets
October 30 and November 6: 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
October 31, November 1, 7, and 8: 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Tickets cost 5 euros per person. Admission is free for children under 1.20 m and people with disabilities. You can book online. The address is HUMO, Via dei Laghi km 4, Marino (Rome).
