Sassari is preparing to celebrate Su Mortu Mortu and Halloween with three days of events, from Thursday 29 to Saturday 31 October, across the historic centre, cinemas and shopping venues. The tenth edition’s programme combines parades and performances with activities for children and families, including the Halloween Village in Piazza Tola and musical events into the evening.

The festivities begin on Thursday 29 October at 5.30 pm at Libreria Dessì, with a free storytelling workshop for children aged 5 to 10. Readings, stories and participatory activities will introduce Sardinian traditions associated with Su Mortu Mortu. The event kicks off the festival organised by the Tusitala Storytelling cultural association; it is advisable to check whether advance booking is required for the workshop.

Read also: Su Mortu Mortu in Sardinia: a guide to the festival of souls, its rituals, sweets and traditions

On Friday 30 October at 5 pm, the Teatro Civico at Palazzo di Città will host a round-table discussion on the festival’s ten-year history, with scholars, artists and cultural professionals. From 7 pm, the celebrations move to Piazza Tola, where the Village opens, organised by CCN In Centru, with themed sets, performers, kiosks, food stalls and a stage. Music, DJ sets and entertainment begin at 8 pm; MADWEEN Vol. III, a party organised by the MadParty team and aimed mainly at university students, is scheduled for 9.30 pm. For Friday and Saturday events, the Village returns to Piazza Tola.

On Saturday 31 October, the Su Mortu Mortu parade will set off at 5.45 pm from Piazza Santa Caterina. Actors, performers and fantastical characters will make their way through the city centre, combining theatre and dance, before concluding the walking performance in Piazza Tola; they are expected to arrive at 7.45 pm. The Village reopens at 6 pm and, from 7 pm, offers games, shows and entertainment for children and families. At 8 pm, the band Tieni il Tempo will take the stage with a tribute to 883 and Max Pezzali; from 10.30 pm, the evening continues with the GU Party DJ set.

Saturday’s programme also includes events in other parts of the city, aimed especially at younger children:

  • At Cityplex Moderno, on Viale Umberto, the Halloween Show starts at 4 pm with screenings of the animated films «Coco» and «Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon». Before the films, visitors can meet themed characters, take photos and enjoy sweets; attendees are encouraged to come in costume. Check with the cinema for access arrangements for the screenings.
  • At Galleria Luna & Sole, from 4.30 to 7 pm, there will be face painting, entertainment organised by Meg Spazio Giovani and themed sweets. Participation is free and no booking is required.
  • At Porte di Sassari shopping centre, in Predda Niedda, the Horror Calendar and the Cabina degli Orrori will be open from 11 am to 1 pm and from 3 to 9 pm. In the historic centre, from 6 to 9 pm, «Bussa in Centru» invites children in costume to look for the «Qui si bussa!» sticker in shop windows to receive sweets at participating stores; some businesses will reward the most original costumes with discount vouchers.

Events for Su Mortu Mortu and the Halloween Village are advertised as having free admission, as is the event at Galleria Luna & Sole. The main venues for the city-centre festivities are Libreria Dessì, Teatro Civico, Piazza Santa Caterina and Piazza Tola; the indoor activities also include Cityplex Moderno and the two participating shopping centres.