From haunted houses to themed alleyways, Montrealers pulled out all the stops to ensure an unforgettable Halloween evening for the many little monsters who braved the cold in search of candy.
“I am the good Lord today. I make many children happy. It makes me feel good,” says Giulio Di Serio, 50, a resident of the Saint-Michel neighborhood.
His residence is considered one of the best decorated in the area, and this year was no exception. Starting at 6 p.m., dozens of children gathered outside his “haunted house,” eager to follow his path that begins in his parking lot and ends in his backyard.
The entrance to the haunted house at Giulio Di Serio’s residence, on 25th Avenue in Montreal. Louis Dominique Lamarche
Mr Di Serio says he is trying just as hard to “get young people socializing outside again” at a time when he says they are too often indoors in front of screens. “It’s important! I learned French by going outside to play,” he says.
“Respect tradition”
“I really like wolves!” exclaimed Naylha Ramos, 4, after collecting candy at the haunted house where a caged werewolf was scaring the children.
Ariella Ramos, 4 years old (the clown with the balloon), Naylha Ramos, 5 years old (the other one in the costume), accompanied by her cousin. Photo Louis Dominique Lamarche
“They always go out of their way to surprise our children and it works,” said his uncle Pablo Ramos. We love seeing the decorations and respecting the tradition of Halloween.”
A few blocks away, Pat Petraccione’s home also drew crowds, even though the mercury was near freezing. Every year, the Montrealer spends about $1,500 to purchase new decorations on his land, which features about twenty life-size scary figures, sometimes animated.
Pat Petraccione’s house on Louis-Hémon Street in Montreal. Louis Dominique Lamarche
“For me, Halloween is like Christmas. […] It’s magical to see the kids smiling about it.”
Mr. Petraccione’s efforts also have a charitable goal, as each year he collects nearly $1,000 in donations, which he sends to Sainte-Justine Hospital.
Pat Petraccione Louis Dominique Lamarche
A breathtaking themed alley
Other Montrealers have turned to an increasingly popular concept, that of themed streets.
This is what the neighbors in the Villeray district have decided to do this year between Avenues des Belges and De Chateaubriand.
The entrance to the Harry Potter-themed alley in the Villeray district. Photo Olivier Faucher
We were able to read “Harry Potter and the Wizard of Villeray” at the entrance to the alley, which was a real hit as hundreds of amazed children walked down it on Tuesday evening.
Photo Olivier Faucher
There were an impressive number of references to the cult series in the form of decorations, kiosks, costumes and music.
Reproduction of a Quidditch pitch, the fictional sport in the world of Harry Potter. Photo Olivier Faucher
“We’ve been here for six weeks. We held workshops so our children could participate in the decoration. I’m on maternity leave and this gave me time to do it,” explained Marta Perez, 37, one of the project’s main organizers.
“Our children all go to elementary school and love Harry Potter,” says Francis Sabourin from his potions kiosk overlooking his backyard.
Marta Perez and Francis Sabourin Photo Olivier Faucher
“It’s funny. There are obviously a lot of people in the alley and we get a lot of photos taken,” says resident Robert Desroches, dressed as Voldemort, the antagonist in the Harry Potter films, and accompanied by his son Eli, dressed as Fox.
Robert Desroches, 39 years old, and his son Eli Desroches, 3 years old. Photo Olivier Faucher
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