Before Halloween gained popularity all over the world, in Andalusia the 31st of October and the 1st of November already had a deep meaning. These dates have been a time to pay homage to loved ones and enjoy a rich gastronomic tradition with the family, surrounded by intimate moments and ancient customs. In this post we tell you how these days were experienced in Andalusia in the past, when local traditions were at the centre of the celebration.
The Chestnut Festival
On the eve of All Saints’ Day, the 31st of October, many Andalusian families took part in the Chestnut Festival or the traditional “Castañada”. This event consisted of gathering and roasting chestnuts with friends and family, often around a bonfire. The streets and squares were filled with the aroma of roasting chestnuts, a symbol of the beginning of autumn, and other nuts such as walnuts and acorns were shared, accompanied by sweet wine or aniseed.
Chestnuts are not only an autumn fruit in Andalusia; in the past they symbolised abundance and a reminder of the natural cycles of life. In some localities, the night also included stories and legends of the area, told by the elders around the bonfire, keeping the oral tradition alive from generation to generation.
All Saints’ Day, a Time of Remembrance and Reunion
All Saints’ Day, or “Día de los Santos Difuntos” celebrated on the 1st of November is possibly the best known tradition of these dates, and has always been a deeply respected date throughout Andalusia.
From the early hours of the morning, families would head to the cemeteries to pay homage to their deceased loved ones. The cemeteries were filled with flowers, especially chrysanthemums, lilies and carnations, which were carefully placed on the graves. This tradition symbolised not only remembrance, but also the continuity of family memory, a highly valued aspect of Andalusian culture.
This day was also marked by traditional gastronomy. Sweet porridge was a common dessert, an ancient recipe made with flour, milk, honey and cinnamon, which many grandmothers prepared for their families. Other popular sweets include buñuelos de viento and huesos de santo, made with marzipan and filled with dulce de yema, a symbol of the sweetness of life. Sharing these foods with neighbours and friends was a way to connect and remember together those who were gone.
Los Tosantos: Markets full of Life and Humour
In some towns and cities of Andalusia, especially in the provinces of Cádiz and Almería, the celebration of ‘ToSantos’ filled the markets with seasonal products, but also with humorous figures. Fruit, meat and fish stalls were decorated with figures depicting comical scenes from everyday life or local characters, although for visitors unaccustomed to this festivity it may seem a somewhat bizarre practice, the reality is that for the locals it formed a festive atmosphere that brought the community together. Families would visit these markets to buy seasonal fruits and nuts to enjoy at home, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Travelling to Andalusia during these days is a unique opportunity to get to know its most ancient customs that show the warmest and most traditional side of this region, where memory, family, and connection with nature have always been at the centre of the celebration.