THE 2022 CHESTNUT PARTY IN SPAIN SERVES FEW CHESTNUTS BUT REMAINS PACKED WITH CULT! »
Halloween is a popular “chestnut party” in many parts of Spain. As Castañada, it has Celtic roots that go way back and is closely related to the cult of the dead. The culinary star of the "deadly" feast is, as the name would say in no uncertain terms, the castañas or chestnuts. But due to drought and prolonged warm weather, chances are that there won’t be an abundance of the nuts. Just the same, leave it to the Spaniards to keep up their marvelous traditions, dead or alive.
IT’S THE DAY OF ALL THE SAINTS IF IT’S THE FIRST OF NOVEMBER »
Spain is gearing up for the festivity that is somewhat confusing. It’s a feast that’s celebrated in a very personal way. A special day for communing with the deceased relatives, telling them they haven't been forgotten. But wait a minute, what they're actually celebrating is All Souls Day which in Spanish is Dia de los Muertos, i.e., Day of the Dead, and, strictly speaking, it falls on 2 November! People celebrate ALL SOULS DAY on 1 November which is ALL SAINTS DAY. So there's a bit of confusion here. . .
