Halloween popular among young Italians.

The ghoulish festival of Halloween, still a slightly foreign concept in Rome, is becoming increasingly popular with younger Italians.

The show everyone is talking about in Rome this Halloween is Delirio, a horror spectacular at the Palalottomattica until 22 November. With its mixture of theatre, circus and cabaret, this macabre production is populated with deranged killers prowling around a dark psychiatric prison, and frights are guaranteed.

There are always fancy dress parties on the night of 31 October at many of the city’s expat pubs such as the Abbey Theatre on Via del Governo Vecchio 51, Fiddler’s Elbow on Via dell’Olmata 43, Finnegan’s on Via Leonina 66, and Scholars Lounge on Via del Plebiscito 101/b.

Also worth checking out is the special Halloween show by Rome’s Comedy Club at Teatro Douze on 30 October. The popular show features a selection of regulars and newcomers who encourage the audience to dress up, with a prize for the best costume.

Clubs such as Atlantico, Micca, Room 26 and La Cabala are all holding Halloween events. American-style diners such as the Hard Rock Cafe and the Perfect Bun are also getting in on the spooky atmosphere.

If you are looking for something for the kids, Zoohalloween returns this year with ghoulish games, challenges and workshops at the Museum of Zoology from 30 October until 1 November. A highlight of the weekend is reserved for those aged nine to 13 who can sign up for Museo da paura (Museum of fear) and embark on a torchlight adventure around the darker areas of the museum.

As an ancient city, Rome also has some authentically scary sites to check out, such as a spine-chilling visit to Via Veneto’s Capuchin crypt, constructed from the bones of 4,000 monks.