Spain’s observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day is a time to honor departed loved ones, a tradition that runs deep in Spanish culture. Hallowe´en’s influence has grown, especially among the younger generations. However, Spain continues to focus on the time-honoured customs of these sacred days.
Here’s an in-depth look at Spain’s celebration of these days in 2024, along with the foods and customs that make it unique.
Hallowe´en’s growing presence in Spain
Although traditionally less prominent in Spain, Hallowe´en has gained popularity over the past two decades, especially among younger people. Spanish cities, like Madrid and Barcelona, now host Hallowe´en-themed events, parades, and parties, where costumes, decorations, and haunted attractions are widely enjoyed.
Costumes are typically based on classic horror themes, such as vampires, witches, or skeletons, rather than pop culture characters. In addition, Spanish households are beginning to adopt “trick-or-treating” as a tradition, especially in urban areas and international communities.
All Saints’ Day in Spain: Honouring the departed
On November 1, Spain celebrates All Saints’ Day (Día de Todos los Santos). This is a public holiday when families honour those who have passed away. This day holds historical and religious importance across the country. Moreover, it is dedicated to honouring all saints and the faithfully departed.
Many Spaniards visit cemeteries, clean and decorate graves with vibrant flowers, especially chrysanthemums. This solemn ritual brings together family members of all ages and fosters a sense of continuity and respect for tradition. Religious ceremonies are also common, as many churches hold masses in memory of the departed, offering prayers for their souls.
All Souls’ Day: A day for prayers and remembrance
All Souls’ Day (Día de los Fieles Difuntos) follows on November 2. Although less public than All Saints’ Day, it is still widely observed, particularly by those who wish to remember departed family and friends. Catholic families often gather to pray for the souls of their loved ones, believing that their prayers aid the souls in reaching heaven. Many communities attend mass and light candles in honour of the departed, adding an intimate layer to the day’s significance.
Traditional sweets and treats
A central part of the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day experience in Spain is the traditional foods, which carry cultural and symbolic value. Some of the most popular treats include:
- Huesos de Santo (Saint’s Bones): Made from marzipan and filled with sweet yolk or jam, these finger-shaped sweets symbolise remembrance. Their shape resembles a bone, hence the name, and they are typically eaten on All Saints’ Day.
- Buñuelos de Viento (Puffs of Wind): These airy fritters, often filled with cream or chocolate, are popular across Spain during this time. Traditionally, eating buñuelos is said to help free souls from purgatory.
- Panellets: Particularly popular in Catalonia, panellets are small almond-based cakes made with pine nuts, coconut, or chocolate. Their sweet, dense texture makes them a treat often associated with honouring the dead.
- Pestiños: These fried dough treats are glazed with honey or sugar and often enjoyed during Spain’s autumn and winter festivals, including All Saints’ Day.
Regional variations in Spain’s celebrations
Each region in Spain has unique traditions when it comes to honoring these days. For example:
- Catalonia celebrates “La Castanyada,” a chestnut festival that coincides with All Saints’ Day. During this time, locals gather to roast chestnuts, eat panellets, and drink moscatel (a sweet wine).
- In Galicia, the “Samaín” festival is celebrated, which shares roots with the Celtic festival that inspired Hallowe´en. Galicia’s celebrations include pumpkins, costumes, and traditional horror tales but maintain a unique cultural touch.
- In Andalucia, families often gather to clean graves and visit cemeteries in observance of both All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days. The day is marked by solemn visits rather than Halloween parties, in line with local customs.
Also read: The Spanish culinary autumn
In Spain, the last day of October and the beginning of November is a time of remembrance and cultural expression. All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day remain days of solemn tradition and family unity, while Hallowe´en adds a modern, festive layer to the season. Whether by visiting cemeteries, lighting candles, or enjoying traditional sweets, Spain keeps alive its respect for the past, with a touch of evolving modernity.