Charly among pumpkins, chestnuts, and scares!🎃

Hello!

Autumn has arrived on the Costa Brava! And although I still love to enjoy the sun, this time of year also seems wonderful to me.
This week I discovered that Halloween is celebrated a little differently here in Catalonia.
Because, in addition to ghosts, witches, and pumpkins, the Catalans have their own autumn tradition: The Castanyada!
A terrifying experience in Sant Feliu!

On October 30th and 31st, Sant Feliu de Guíxols is filled with Halloween atmosphere and the Festa de la Tardor.
There will be children in costumes, fun activities, and even an authentic Passage of Terror in the Jardins del Monestir.
A scary journey!

And me? Will I dare to enter?

I'm not afraid of a steep walk along the coast, but having a ghost suddenly appear from around a corner…

That's another story. 😉

But what is La Castanyada?

On October 31 and around November 1, All Saints' Day, Catalans traditionally celebrate La Castanyada.
And this festival revolves mainly around sharing good moments and enjoying good food.
Everywhere you can enjoy the aroma of roasted chestnuts. In addition, Catalans eat panellets, small sweets made, among other ingredients, with almonds and pine nuts, and roasted sweet potatoes.
Of course, I had to try those panellets.
And then, another one.
All for my research work, you understand. 😉
On November 1, Tots Sants, many families also visit cemeteries to bring flowers and remember their deceased loved ones.
A beautiful tradition where shared moments and memories come together.

Charly's tip of the week

Are you at Hotel Barcarola at the end of October? Don't miss a visit to Sant Feliu de Guíxols!

On October 30 and 31 there will be different Halloween activities, and on Saturday, October 31, you can also enjoy the traditional Castanyada.
My personal advice? Buy a bag of warm chestnuts and, above all, try panellets from a local bakery.
Because Halloween is fun…

But Halloween accompanied by something tasty is even more fun! 🎃

See you soon!

Charly

Do you want to discover more?

🎃 Halloween & Festa de la Tardor
October 30 and 31, 2026 – Sant Feliu de Guíxols
Check the program

🌰 Castanyada La Manduca
October 31, 2026, from 10:00 to 17:00, Passeig del Mar, next to La Rambla
More information

🍬 The Catalan tradition of All Saints' Day
Discover more about La Castanyada

P. S. Do you know any other special autumn traditions or exciting Halloween activities on the Costa Brava? Write to info@barcarola.com with the subject «For Charly». Maybe I'll dare to go… 😉