Unique Halloween Traditions Across Spain: From El Dia de los Muertos to Festive Celebrations

Throughout Spain, various customs and rituals are observed during Halloween, many of which are similar to those in Mexico and other Spanish-speaking countries. On "Dia de Todos los Santos," which is a public holiday, families gather at the graves of their deceased relatives. They bring holy water, flowers, food, and drink to share with their loved ones. This gathering serves as a way to rejoice, remember, and socialize, as people come together to honor their ancestors.

In northern Spain, particularly in Galicia, Halloween is celebrated with great enthusiasm, influenced by the region's Celtic heritage. Galicia is famous for its rich local folklore and ghost legends, making it an ideal place to experience the traditional aspects of Halloween. On the night of October 31st, known as "Noite dos Calacús" (Night of the Pumpkins), Galicians engage in various activities such as pumpkin carving, costume parties, bonfires, and rituals.

A unique Halloween tradition in Galicia is the consumption of "quemada," a strong alcoholic drink traditionally prepared within a pumpkin. The drink is made from ingredients like aguardiente, unground coffee beans, sugar, and lemon rind or orange peels. It is believed that drinking "quemada" wards off evil spirits. Before consuming the drink, a spell called "esconxuro" is recited, adding to the mystical ambiance of the celebration.

Must spooky experience in Galicia: If you're seeking a truly spooky experience in Galicia, consider taking the Night Tour Land of Legends and Meigas in Santiago de Compostella. This captivating 2-hour tour combines myth and history, taking you through the enchanting world of legends, secrets, and, if you're lucky, even a mysterious ghost encounter.

While Halloween is primarily observed as a children's holiday or a spiritual festivity in Spain, Barcelona and other vibrant cities in Catalonia offer a unique blend of Halloween celebrations and local traditions. In addition to the lively Halloween parties held in bars and nightclubs on October 31st, Barcelona embraces the Catalan tradition of "La Castanyada" on All Saints' Day (November 1st).

"La Castanyada" is a popular festival that welcomes visitors with various events, music concerts, and stalls filled with seasonal delicacies such as chestnuts, sweet potatoes, sweet wine, and "panellets" – small Catalan cakes made of marzipan, almonds, and various flavors. This autumn fair is not exclusive to Barcelona; it is also celebrated in Galicia ("Magosto") and Asturias ("Magüestu").

Barcelona also embraces the Mexican tradition of "Ruta de Altares" (Route of the Altars) during Halloween. This relatively new tradition has gained popularity in recent years, with streets, bars, restaurants, shops, galleries, and associations creating altars dedicated to the celebration of the Day of the Dead. It is a unique opportunity to witness the fusion of cultures and traditions.

For a truly authentic Catalan experience, venture to the small village of Sant Feliu Sasserra in the comarca of Bages. Here, an annual Witch Festival, known as "Fira de les Bruixes," is held to honor the 23 women who were wrongly accused of witchcraft and sentenced to death during the Inquisition. The festival starts on the night of October 31st with an esoteric parade through the village's darkest corners, followed by a day filled with dancers, street artists, local delicacies, and artisan crafts. Sant Feliu Sasserra is also home to a small Witch Museum, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the festival.

Must spooky experience in Barcelona: Immerse yourself in the dark side of Barcelona's Gothic quarter with the Barcelona Ghosts & Legends Tour. This highly-rated historical walk combines ghost stories and horrifying truths to provide a captivating and eerie experience.

Madrid, like any other major European city, embraces Halloween with a wide range of exciting events and activities. From flamboyant-themed parties organized by the city's discos to entertaining shows in the main amusement parks, there is something for everyone in Madrid during Halloween.

Some of the popular Halloween events in Madrid include the Halloween Pub Crawl in Plaza Mayor, spectacles at Warner Park and Parque de Atracciones, as well as numerous expositions and live music shows in theaters and cultural centers.

If you're willing to venture a little further, the vibrant university town of Alcalá de Henares offers a killer zombie march featuring drummers and dancing in the streets. It is also home to a massive theatrical production based on the famous play "Don Juan Tenorio" by José Zorrilla.

Must spooky experience in Madrid: Explore the city's key landmarks at night while delving into the mysteries and legends of old Madrid on the Evening Walking Tour: Spanish Inquisition & Legends of Old Madrid.

If you find yourself in Málaga during Halloween, you'll have the opportunity to experience the city's festive atmosphere and unique traditions. While the infamous Zombie March is no longer held, Málaga still offers plenty of frightening celebrations.

One of the highlights is visiting the gorgeously decorated cemeteries, such as the English Cemetery and the Botanical Garden. These locations organize themed events, and the port area, Muelle Uno, hosts various Halloween events for children. Take a stroll along Calle Larios, the city's most festive street, to admire the creative Halloween window displays. Don't miss out on the trendy Soho district, where themed workshops and activities for the whole family are held.

Must spooky experience in Málaga: Embark on a private Málaga night tour that combines mystery and sightseeing, allowing you to uncover the chilling crimes and narratives concealed beneath the city's iconic facades.

Although not a Halloween celebration per se, Cádiz has its own peculiar festival called "Fiesta de Tosantos" or "Fiesta de los Mercados." This event, held on October 31st, is full of humor and satire. It features various concerts and street performances throughout the city, but the highlight is the decoration of the market stalls.

Vendors use their merchandise, such as fruits, vegetables, meat, or fish, to create elaborate displays that depict scenes and characters from the latest financial, political, or social scandals. It is a unique festival that showcases the Cádiz's sense of humor and their ability to turn everyday objects into works of art.

Must spooky experience in Cádiz: Uncover the mysteries and crimes concealed beneath the city's iconic facades during the Cádiz: Mysteries and Crimes Walking Tour. This guided tour takes you through the city's characterful neighborhoods, accompanied by thrilling and eerie tales of the paranormal.

Apart from the prominent Halloween celebrations in Galicia, Barcelona, Madrid, Málaga, Cádiz, and San Sebastian, there are additional Halloween traditions and events observed throughout Spain. In northern Spain, locals celebrate All Souls Day by baking and sharing traditional pastries known as "Huesos de Santo" (Bones of the Holy). These pastries are brought to the graves of loved ones along with flowers as a way to pay respects and remember the departed.

Unlike the US, where Halloween costumes are often inspired by books, TV shows, and pop culture, people in Spain embrace a wide range of spooky characters for their costumes. From ghosts and werewolves to zombies and vampires, the Halloween costumes in Spain reflect the diverse and imaginative nature of the celebration.