A few years ago Italians hardly knew what Halloween was, but now the spooky feast of “all hallows eve” on 31 Oct is becoming increasingly popular among Romans. Many pubs host themed parties on the night, and children can be seen trick-or-treating in some parts of town.

The Viminale Street Association, which includes the Economy Book & Video Center (Via Torino 136), the church of St Paul’s within-the-Walls (Via Nazionale corner Via Napoli), and McDonald’s in Piazza della Repubblica, is organising events for children, including a fancy-dress parade and trick-or-treating. For information contact the Economy Book & Video Center, tel. 064746877.

In the tower of Ponte Milvio bridge a 15-minute medley of the scariest films by Italian horror movie director Dario Argento will be performed on Fri 31 Oct, every 30 minutes from 21.00. The horror fest continues with performances of “Domineddracula”, a theatrical interpretation of the story of Vlad the Impaler based on a novel by Gennaro Francione, 1-6 Nov, 21.30, 22.30 and 24.00. All performances are free; for information tel. 063211395-063212799.

Where to go for the latest in werewolf masks, or the perfect undead make-up? The spookiest part of town seems to be Prati. Profondo Rosso, Via dei Gracchi 260, is B-movie horror heaven, with gory videos and comics, and a floor-to-ceiling selection of masks to go with them. There is also a horror museum, dedicated to the cinema of Dario Argento, to get you in the mood. Mon-Sat 11.00-13.00, 16.00-19.00. Tel. 063211395, www.profondorossoshop.com.

The American franchise Party World, Via Properzio 2/b (corner Via Cola di Rienzo), has a vast array of party decorations, costumes and creepy accessories. Mon-Sat 10.00-13.30, 15.30-20.00, tel. 0668803129.

Costumes can be rented from Il Costume, Via T. Campanella 27, tel. 0639745533.

Make-up fit for the big screen, expert advice, personalised face-painting and much more are available from Studio 13, Piazza Cavour 13, Tues-Sat 10.00-19.00, tel. 0668803977.

Picture caption: Profondo Rosso sports an impressive array of scary masks and horro movie paraphernalia.