Features

    When we, as Americans, think of Halloween, what images come to mind? Often we see visions of fallen leaves, candy, or a certain scary movie. With the large number of international students we’ve brought into the Notre Dame family this year, I thought it’d be interesting to ask them about their Halloween celebrations and compare.

     I spoke to three of our new students about the topic. I asked Ilaria Stimamiglio specifically about her version of Halloween, and also spoke briefly with Júlia Granha and Giulia Ardyes at lunch. The general consensus seemed to be that Halloween is still a big deal in countries like Italy and Brazil - but Americans definitely take it to the next level. Júlia and Giulia seemed surprised to hear how many big Halloween parties were set to occur in the coming week. The most they tend to do in Brazil, Giulia said, is to hold a big carnival, with games, food, and music. Ilaria told me that in Italy, she sees decorations around during the season, such as webs or skulls, but they don’t have the “crazy yard decorations” that we have here back in America. She also mentioned trick-or-treating, and treasure hunts that a church may organize. Overall, it seems like at least some of our international students appreciate Halloween in ways that aren’t so different from ours. 

     After the trip to Tanglewood, the 7th and 8th graders have described it as “interesting” and “informative,” but what really happened on that trip away from school? When asked what was different about it compared to previous field trips that she had gone on, 7th grader Lillian Moore said, “That you actually hiked and walked when some other field trips were slow and uneventful in the category of walking.”  In one group on the field trip, the students went on one of the many hiking trails, and were able to take pictures and see the scenery, then they later made their way indoors to see the variety of animals on display, including turtles, snakes, and much more. After this, they went back outdoors to see some of the birds, then later went inside again to get ready to head back to school. 7th grader Nathaniel Griffin said that "it was fun to look at bugs, animals, and the nature articles” and another 7th grader named Finn Keenan said, “The animals were cool.”