Southern Italian Halloween Costume Ideas

Thomas made a fearsome Michele Pezza,
the Neapolitan folk hero better known as "Fra Diavolo" (Brother Devil) 
Photos by New York Scugnizzo

Halloween is once again upon us and, in accordance with its tradition, children (and adults) must decide what costumes to wear for the festivities. Since we all have our favorite characters from Southern Italian history or folklore, we thought it would be fun and interesting to consider some of them for this year's costumes.

'O Munaciello, The Little Monk

Photo by New York Scugnizzo

• Munaciello — "The Little Monk" — This mischievous pint-sized Neapolitan spirit is blamed for almost everything that goes wrong, except when he wears his red cap, then he is associated with good deeds. He is small, pale and wears a monk's robes. It is best to stay on his good side.

The-little-monk-exploring-o-munaciello

• Bella 'Mbriana —  The most famous and beloved ghost of Naples, this princess' distraught spirit wanders the city. She has become a household guardian, and her name is invoked for protection and good fortune. The bella ‘Mbriana only appears for an instant, as a reflection in a window or through a curtain swaying in a breeze. She is associated with the gecko, a small lizard found all over Southern Italy.

Lessons-from-bella-mbrianna

Santa Rosalia

Photo courtesy of Thomas Rowe

• Patron Saints — Choose a favorite Saint or the patron from your ancestral hometown. Not only will they make great Halloween and All Saints' Day costumes, it’s also a fun way to teach the kids about their faith and heritage. Special thanks to Thomas Rowe for sharing his wonderful photo of ElenaMarie, who made an adorable Santa Rosalia.

La Janara, The Witch

Photo by New York Scugnizzo

• Janare (Witches) — There is no shortage of janare in southern Italy's myths and folklore. Also called magare or streghe, the most famous come from Benevento, known today as the "city of witches." Stories abound of witches singing and dancing with faeries in the moonlight around the sacred walnut tree near the Ponte Leproso, an old Roman bridge spanning the Sabato River. Cut down in the 7th century, legend says the tree was regrown and the rituals continue to this day. Others claim a branch from the old tree was transplanted to Stretto di Barba in Avellino and grown anew. Not to be outdone, Furore and Isernia (among others) have their own colorful tales of witches and witchcraft (stregaheria), including the little "crone” pictured here, based on the wicked hags from Castelvuovo del Volturno in Molise.

Il Cervo, The Red Deer Man

Photo by New York Scugnizzo

• Il Cervo (The Red Deer Man) — In the town of Castelnuovo del Volturno (Molise), they celebrate the last Sunday of carnival with a tradition of obvious pre-Christian origins. It’s called the rito del cervo, or Red Deer Man ritual. Dressed in furs, antlers and face paint, the Deer Man and Deer Woman perform an elaborate ritual which includes witches (Janare), a fairy wizard from the mountains (il Martino) and the Hunters (il Cacciatore). Any of the characters would make a fine Halloween costume.

Celebrating-carnival-with-the-deer-man

• Paolo di Avitabile ("Abu Tabela") — A Neapolitan Soldier turned mercenary lord who ruled various foreign lands with an iron fist. He is still spoken of in those places, and his name has become legendary. To some Abu Tabela was a proud figure of authority and stability, to others he was like the Bogey man. Either way, he was not someone to be trifled with.

The-lessons-of-abu-tabela