One of the most important national festivities in Spain is All Saints’ Day (el Día de Todos los Santos), which takes place on 1st November. This celebration, with its religious background, is held in Spain as a way to remember loved ones, since 2nd November is, according to the Christian calendar, the Day of the Faithfully Departed). But on All Saints’ Day customs vary in the different autonomous communities and Spanish cities.
So how is All Saints’ Day celebrated? Beyond the traditional visit to cemeteries to leave flowers and candles for our loved ones, there are other curious traditions on All Saints' Day in Spain that we will take a look at today with Stelae.
Fiesta de los Tosantos in Cadiz
On All Saints’ Day, one of the most interesting customs in Spain is the Fiesta de los Tosantos which is celebrated in Cadiz.
The main characteristic of this party is that both people and pets dress up and spend the day on the streets of the city in a celebratory atmosphere. Competitions are also held in some of the markets, where hilarious comic scenes are acted out, sometimes with a funeral theme.
The typical sweets to enjoy eating during the celebration are ‘huesos de santo’ and ‘buñuelos de cidra’, but other products typical of this time of year, such as chestnuts, can also be bought in the market.
Samhain in Galicia
Samhain or Samain is a tradition of Celtic origin which is celebrated in Galicia on 31st October, the eve of All Saints’ Day.
It is one of Spain’s oldest All Saints' Day customs and has its origins in the celebration of the end of the harvest season.
The tradition is to adorn houses with decorations related to death. This is because, according to tradition, on the night of Samhain the boundary between the world of the living and the world of the dead disappears. However, since pumpkins are also used as decorations, this celebration also takes some of its customs from Halloween.
Also in Galicia, in some villages there is a celebration known as Magosto, which involves groups of friends getting together around a fire to roast chestnuts.
Castanyada in Catalonia
Speaking of chestnuts, on All Saints’ Day one of the most popular customs is the Castanyada that is celebrated in Catalonia.
It is a celebration that dates back to the 18th century where families get together to remember deceased loved ones while eating chestnuts.
In addition to Catalonia, this tradition also extends to some areas of Aragon and Levante.
Noche de los Finaos in the Canary Islands
Another curious custom on All Saints’ Day is the Noche de los Finaos, a Canarian tradition where bonfires, music and dance can be found in every town.
The evening begins with a family dinner in which loved ones are remembered with anecdotes and secret tales. At this gathering, roasted chestnuts, walnuts, pine nuts and other foods typical of this time of year are eaten. Nowadays this celebration has evolved and also includes bonfires.
Gaztañerre Eguna in the Basque Country
Chestnuts are also present at the fiesta of Gaztañerre Eguna or Roasted Chestnut Day, which has been celebrated in the Basque Country since the 1960s. Other delicacies eaten at this celebration include snails in a sauce and motokil which is a dough made from corn flour.
In honour of departed loved ones, a family dinner, known as hondrajana, is held to celebrate All Saints’ Night. It is an ancient culinary celebration that has been preserved over the years and takes place in Basque homes or culinary societies. It is also typical in some areas of Navarra.
This festival is deeply rooted in the lower reaches of the River Deba, in towns such as Ermua, Eibar and Soraluze. Over the years, it has become not only a family celebration, but also a celebration with the neighbours.
Countryside, food and bonfires in Extremadura
Finally, on All Saints' Day, another of the most popular Spanish customs takes place in Extremadura, where entire families spend the day in the countryside roasting chestnuts, eating dried fruit and nuts or quince jelly and preparing pomegranate fruit with sugar.
In addition, many teenagers skip classes (with permission from the teachers who accompany them) to enjoy this tradition and make bonfires.
As can be seen, Spain is rich in traditions and customs for All Saints’ Day. This is why, at Stelae, we take into account all considerations and sensitivities when providing our funeral services, allowing us to adapt to the preferences and beliefs of each family.
