There’s much to celebrate during autumn in Italy. Unlike summer, which is the period where tourists flock to the boot from all over the world, the fall is really a season for locals. It’s the period of the olive collection and oil production, the making of wine from the grapes that have matured ever so perfectly during the summer heat, and the period for chestnuts — a beloved Italian delicacy that screams fall.  

Mid-autumn is also a somewhat somber period, with the celebration of the Feast of All Saints’ and All Souls Day, also known as the Day of the Dead. Not strictly an Italian holiday, the commemoration of the dead occurs every November 2nd, and it’s a way to remember loved ones, and also a day full of symbols and cultural implications. Many countries, on this occasion, follow their traditions to pay homage to those who are no longer there.