Elio’s Journals

October 31, 2026

Hyvää Halloweenia

Lokakuu/October

Autumn has been so prominent here in Finland. The trees are changing colors and fallen leaves fill the streets!

I spent the month celebrating Halloween: watching scary movies with my host family, going to scary events with my friends, and having a Halloween party at school! 

I went to Linnanmäki's Iik Week and Särkänniemi's "Creepy Carnival", Karmiva Karnevaali. I had a great time at these festivals with my friends! We went on rides, saw the scare actors, and ate lots of treats! I really enjoyed going to the top of Näsinneula, an observation tower in Tampere. The view was beautiful and it was such a special way to see the city!

I also went on a small trip with the Lahti-Salpausselkä Rotary Club to Mikkeli, where we visited the Muisti Centre of War and Peace. It was nice to get to know the club better and to learn more about Finnish history.

During autumn break I went on a trip through Eastern Finland with my host family. I had a great time exploring the forests! We went hiking in Koli National Park and got to see some amazing views. We also visited two very nice cities in Eastern Finland, Kuopio and Savonlinna. 

While visiting Savonlinna, I got to go inside Olavinlinna, one of Finland's castles! I enjoyed learning about the region and its history, as well as discovering more about Finland's past. 

Right before Halloween, my school had a nighttime event for all of the first year students. I was invited and had a lot of fun with my friends playing games and eating candy! 

On Halloween, I went to a Fantasy Festival called Maagiset Messut with my host mom. They had concerts, a costume contest, and plenty of vendors! It was really interesting to experience, and I had a great time!