Halloween Happenings for Kids in Florence

There are several events in Florence for children this Halloween season.

Reading and Workshop

The British Institute of Florence invites children to get in the spooky spirit with a reading of The Marvelous Monster Muddle on Thursday, October 27 at 5 pm. The reading will be followed by a scary mask workshop.

This program is designed for children 3 to 8, but all ages are welcome. This reading is in English and will be held in the Children’s Room of the library, located on Lungarno Guicciardini 9.

Afternoon tea will be served from 4:30 to 6 pm upstairs.

Spaces are limited, but no reservations are required.  Participants must be members of the library or take out a day membership, which costs €6 (up from €5).

For further information about events and membership options, email library@britishinstitute.it or call 055/26778270.

Halloween Party

Kids are asked to come in costume or wear a mask and parents often do as well at the Lending Library party (Oct. 29, 4 – 6 pm).  Children may participate in crafts and games and will receive a trick-or-treat bag.  Also on the program is face painting, a costume parade and a visit to the Witch’s Lair.  Admission is €3 (two years and younger enter for free).

Under the shadow of a jack o’lantern, refreshments and homemade Halloween-themed desserts, including spectacular ghost cupcakes, vegan and gluten-free options, will be available. The Children’s Lending Library is located on Via Rucellai 13 in the undercroft of St. James American Church.  Founded by a group of mothers and staffed by volunteers, it is a primary source of books in English.

A Witch’s Identity

The witch is a major player in a lot of kid’s stories, and this workshop invites kids to explore the image of the witch through different artistic mediums.  Is she a mean old woman?  Does she live deep in the forest waiting for her victims?  Through interactive activities and crafts on right on Halloween, October 31, at 4:30 pm in Palazzo Vecchio, children 8 to 12 and their families may discover that witches were not always bad.

The history of witches in Europe will be explored: how society called for a scapegoat for natural phenomena like hunger and disease and chose a group of people who perhaps did not fit into the cultural norms of the time.  This caused innocent women to be persecuted for “crimes” they did not commit.  Also examined will be today’s view of a witch.

Reservations are recommended for this event (cost: €2, plus admission to Palazzo Vecchio) at info@muse.comune.fi.it.  (kaylah grant)