All Saints' Day in Catalonia

The All Saints' Day festival, celebrated on November 1st, is one of the most deeply rooted traditions in Catalonia. It has a religious origin, as the Catholic Church established this date to honor all the saints, both known and unknown. However, over time, the celebration has also acquired a strong popular and family component, linked to the memory of the deceased and to autumn cuisine.

One of the most significant customs is visiting cemeteries. Families visit the niches or graves of their loved ones, adorn them with flowers—especially chrysanthemums and roses—and spend a moment of contemplation. It's a way to keep memories alive and convey to the youngest members of the family the importance of respect and memory. In many towns and cities, cemeteries are filled with light and color during these days, creating a solemn yet warm atmosphere.

The All Saints' Day celebration is also closely linked to gastronomy. The star product is chestnuts, toasted and served in paper bags, often accompanied by panellets and sweet potatoes. Panellets are small sweets, usually made of marzipan and covered with pine nuts, almonds, coconut, or chocolate. These sweets have an ancient origin, associated with funeral offerings, and today are considered a typical and essential delicacy of the day. Sweet wine or mistela, which accompanies dessert, is also a must.

Related to All Saints' Day is the Castanyada, a popular festival usually celebrated on the eve of All Saints' Day, October 31st. It used to be a collective autumn meal, where families and friends would gather to eat chestnuts and drink sweet wine. Today, in many places, school and family gatherings are still held to share chestnuts and panellets, although the influence of Halloween has introduced new customs, especially among younger people.

On a cultural level, All Saints' Day is a holiday that combines tradition, spirituality, and togetherness. It represents a moment of pause within the calendar, to remember those who have passed away and to enjoy the flavors and aromas of autumn. Despite social changes and new trends, the day maintains its essence: family ties, respect for the deceased, and the survival of a popular cuisine that is part of the Catalan identity.