Spanish towns with Halloween traditions

There are many Spanish towns with Halloween traditions. It has been many years since this festival arrived in our country from United States, although its origin is very far from America. In fact, according to some theories, it would have to be looked for among the celtic rites around the crops.

Specifically, it would be on the Gaelic festival of Halloween. It was a seasonal commemoration that marked the transition from autumn to winter, as well as the end of fruit harvesting. However, other scholars point out the origin of Halloween within Christianity itself, simply as a vigil prior to the day of All Saints. It would be celebrated by the Scots and the Irish, who would have brought it to the United States when they emigrated to that country. In any case, below, we are going to show you Spanish towns with Halloween traditions. But first we want to review with you the most common customs at this time.

The most popular Halloween customs and other genuinely Spanish ones

As you know, among the most traditional activities during these holidays is wear costumes with motives alluding to death or terror. It was something that was already done, precisely, in Ireland and Scotland at the end of the XNUMXth century. Likewise, it is customary to see Horror Movies. But the greatest role in these holidays is for the children.

They are the ones who enjoy the costumes and games organized around Halloween more than anyone else. The most famous is, without a doubt, trick or treat. Although you already know it, we will tell you that it consists of going around the neighborhood houses in disguise asking for candy from its residents. If they don't offer them, they have to face a joke.

It is also very common on these dates to prepare pumpkins as if they were heads into which a lit candle or lantern is inserted. However, in Ireland and Scotland what was carved was a turnip. The use of pumpkins began in the United States around the XNUMXs due to an abundant harvest of them.

On the other hand, as is usual in any party, it also plays a primary role in Halloween. the pastry. For example, the Irish often bake barmbrack. It is a raisin bread in which, as in our roscón de reyes, a surprise is usually included. Something similar is done with the Colcannon, which however is salty, since it is mashed potatoes with cabbage, butter and pepper.

Likewise, since the festival coincides with the harvest of apple, it is traditional to consume this fruit in its sweet or candy-coated form. But it's not the only pastry you can have on Halloween. Also popular are sweet corn or pumpkin cake. But, to all these customs, some Spanish towns add other Halloween traditions.

Los Tosantos in Cádiz

We don't need to tell you about the sense of humor that the people of Cádiz have, nor do we need to remind you of the importance that the carnival has for them. Well, on Halloween they celebrate a variant of the costume festival, but applied to food.

To be surprised, you just have to visit the Central Market of the city or the Virgin of the Rosary. You will find chickens in costumes, squid dressed as Nazarenes or fruits in ghostly outfits. Each of the stalls in these markets specializes in a different theme. In short, a spectacle that reflects the sense of humor of the inhabitants of the Tacita de Plata.

The Samaín in Vigo

We have already mentioned that many experts find the origin of this holiday in the Celtic Samhain. Castilianized as Samain, one of the many cities that follows this ancient tradition is Vigo. Specifically, in its historic neighborhood, the houses are decorated and its inhabitants dress up to scare away the souls that wander in the area. holy company.

Likewise, magostos are organized to eat roasted chestnuts and, at midnight, a burned with his spell. All these activities are accompanied by brass bands and concerts, children's games and gastronomic events.

witch fair

It takes place in many towns in the province of Barcelona during the early hours of October 31. With it, it is about redressing the women who, during the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries, were accused of brujería in Catalonia by the Inquisition. As usually happens in these cases, one of the main culprits of these crimes was, precisely, a kind of converted witch called Cosme Soler and known for Tarrago.

To ingratiate himself with the authorities and avoid his own punishment, he dedicated himself to hunting down and denouncing women whom he accused of witchcraft. It is estimated that he led many of them to the gallows. As a reminder of that massacre, at eleven o'clock at night on October 31, a woman who represents those is usually taken down from the bell tower.

Sa Trencada

We now travel to the island of Mallorca to get to know other Spanish towns with Halloween traditions. In this case, it is also culinary. All the families of their villages gather around the fire to make a dinner of fritters, nuts and panellets. This name is given to small cakes whose base is sugar, egg and almond. Likewise, they are usually enriched with chocolate, coconut or pine nuts.

But, on this Balearic island other customs linked to Halloween survive. For example, dressing up in a sheet, as if it were a ghost, to scare the neighbors. Furthermore, it is tradition for godparents to give their godchildren sugary rosaries. Even hotels in tourist areas organize parties related to this celebration.

The Estatigua

Processions of souls are found in the mythology of all peoples of the world. Spain is no exception and all its communities have brought their history to the present. For example, in Galicia it is called holy company and in Asturias the guest. For its part, in Castilla, Extremadura and part of Andalusia it is called Fright.

There is a Halloween tradition precisely around it. On the eve of All Saints' Day they light up bonfires in the squares of many of their towns to protect themselves from their passage. However, a good number of them have been replaced by holywins, consisting of children dressing up with religious motives. For example, of priests, nuns or saints.

The light of the souls

If you like literature, you will know that many of the legends written by Gustavo Adolfo Becquer They come from his stay in the Zaragoza monastery of Veruela. One of them is that of the aunt Casca de Trasmoz, which has given rise to the Halloween tradition that we are going to talk to you about now.

Aunt Casca was probably a healer. But her neighbors considered that she had powers and, therefore, that she was a witch. One day in 1850 they chased her up a cliff and threw her into the void. According to legend, her spirit continues to wander the area seeking revenge, although several inhabitants of Trasmoz were convicted by justice.

As a reminder of those events, this town, which is the only officially excommunicated by the church, organizes the activities of the light of the souls. Go back to the past to stage a witch procession, parades and bonfires in the squares. Likewise, a queimada is celebrated in the Trasmoz castle, place where it is said that covens were held.

Other Spanish towns with Halloween traditions

This festival has many other traditions spread throughout the Spanish territory. In Canary Islands, the night of November XNUMXst is that of the Finaos. Families gather to remember their loved ones who have died and tell their stories while drinking walnuts and almonds with sweet wine. For its part, in Ceuta November XNUMXst is backpack day. Its inhabitants go to eat at the cemetery and bring flowers to their deceased relatives. It is a tradition that began in the XNUMXth century and has already spread to other regions such as Andalusia or Extremadura.

Older is the all saints fair which is celebrated in the Alicante town of cocentaina since 1346. For three days, many activities take place and Christian markets and Arab souks are set up. Very different is the custom they have in Begijar around these dates. The inhabitants of this Jaén town cover the locks of their doors with gruel to prevent evil spirits from entering through them. In addition, candles are placed in the windows and families gather to eat tortillas with chocolate.

But, if there is a product associated in Spain with these dates, they are roasted chestnuts. Throughout the country, bonfires are lit to roast them and then eat them accompanied by honey, nuts, wine or sweet cider. In addition, attendees liven up the time by counting horror stories. And sometimes they smear a little ash on their faces to ward off evil spirits.

In conclusion, we have shown you some of the Spanish towns with Halloween traditions. As you can see, there are many customs of the Iberian Peninsula related to this festival that has its roots in Antiquity. Come and discover these curious activities.