The Castanyada (or Castañada in Spanish) can best be translated as “chestnut festival” and is a typical Catalan autumn celebration held between October 31 and November 1. Traditionally a festive meal before All Saints’ Day, it has now become a playful event that everyone, young and old, participates in.
Despite the rising popularity of Halloween, which also falls during this time, the Castanyada is still celebrated everywhere: the cozy chestnut stalls and pastry shops are working overtime, and special activities are organized around the Castanyada in every neighborhood in Barcelona.
But what exactly is the Castanyada, and what does it involve? I’ll explain further here.
The Chestnut Festival
At the end of October, warm roasted chestnuts and sweet potatoes are wrapped in newspaper and sold on the streets, while people at home bake their own panellets (Catalan cookies for All Saints’ Day). In Barcelona, various activities are organized around this autumn festival, which are especially fun to experience with children.
Like Halloween, the Castanyada originates from an ancient ritual honoring the dead. It is said that in the past, during All Saints’ Day, church bells rang all night to remind the townspeople to pray for the deceased. However, it was so cold and they were so tired that they needed something to keep them awake, so they roasted chestnuts and ate them warm with sweet wine by the fire.
There were also the so-called soul cookies that were eaten that evening or left as gifts for a deceased loved one at their grave or on the table. This could be the origin of the tradition of the Catalan panellet.
Today, the Castanyada has grown into a large autumn celebration that is celebrated not only in schools, markets, and community centers but also at home with family or friends. It is a typical Catalan autumn festival where people roast chestnuts and gather to eat them with family and friends.
When is the Castanyada celebrated?
The Castanyada is traditionally celebrated at the end of October, particularly on the evening of October 31, just before All Saints’ Day on November 1.
How is the Castanyada celebrated?
The Castanyada is celebrated in a warm, cozy manner, both at home and in schools and streets. In schools and neighborhoods, special events are often organized, featuring markets, workshops, and performances to celebrate the Castanyada.
This typical Catalan autumn festival revolves around traditions and delicious food. The most beloved dishes are:
- Castanyes (roasted chestnuts): sold on the streets and eaten at home, often accompanied by sweet potatoes.
- Panellets (Catalan All Saints’ cookies): small, sweet cookies made from marzipan and almonds, often decorated with pine nuts or other ingredients.
- Moniatos (sweet potatoes): these are roasted and served alongside the chestnuts.
- Fruita confitada (candied fruit): a colorful addition to the festive table.
- Moscatell or mistela: these are sweet wines often drunk during the meal.
In addition to the festive meals, there is also a more serious side to the celebration. On All Saints’ Day (November 1), many people remember their deceased loved ones by visiting cemeteries and laying flowers on the graves.
What to Do During the Castanyada in Barcelona?
During the Castanyada in Barcelona, you can enjoy various activities that reflect the local traditions and the spirit of this autumn festival. Here are some fun things to do:
1. Buy Panellets
In October, bakers and pastry chefs in Catalonia are busy making panellets, small cookies that are an essential part of the Castanyada autumn festival. These treats come in various shapes and flavors, but the most traditional version is made from ground almonds and sugar. They are often topped with ingredients like pine nuts, chocolate, or dried fruit.
If you want to taste the best panellets in Barcelona, Forn Mistral (Ronda de Sant Antoni, 96) and Pastisseria Escribà (La Rambla, 83) are highly recommended. Both have an excellent reputation for their artisanal pastries and are popular among locals and tourists alike.
In addition to buying panellets, it’s also fun to try making this traditional treat at home.
2. Celebrate with the Locals
Many neighborhood centers organize castanyades for local residents, where panellets, roasted sweet potatoes, and, of course, roasted chestnuts are enjoyed. This is a unique opportunity for you to sit among the locals and experience the real Castanyada!
These events are also very child-friendly and offer fun activities for kids, such as panellet cooking workshops and storytelling sessions.
Various markets in Barcelona (like the Mercat de Santa Caterina, Mercat de Lesseps, Mercat de l’Abaceria Central, and Mercat de Sant Antoni) also offer different tastings and cooking workshops.
3. Attend a Halloween Party
Due to the rising popularity of Halloween worldwide, numerous Halloween parties and events are also organized in Barcelona during this time. Think of haunted tunnels, horror movie marathons, and costume parties. Many clubs and bars in Barcelona host Halloween-themed parties, complete with costumes and special drinks.
👉 Read more about celebrating Halloween in Barcelona here.
4. Visit a Cemetery
Since the Castanyada coincides with All Saints’ Day, you can choose to visit one of the cemeteries in Barcelona. Many people lay flowers on the graves of their loved ones and remember them. Special masses are held in most cemeteries in Barcelona on All Saints’ Day (November 1) to mark the occasion.
Tip: All Saints’ Day is an official holiday in Spain, meaning that shops are closed and people have the day off. This provides an excellent opportunity to pick up your baking skills, just like the locals, and bake panellets yourself. It’s also a great time to go to the woods to collect chestnuts, another tradition closely linked to this time of year.
5. Escape from the City
If you want to celebrate the Castanyada outside the city and fully immerse yourself among the locals, then visit the chestnut festival in Viladrau, a village 75 km north of Barcelona. Every year, at the end of October, the Fira de la Castanya takes place here, an event filled with gastronomy, relaxation, and entertainment for all ages.
Viladrau is located on the edge of the Montseny Natural Park, making it the perfect destination for a fall outing with the family.
Enjoy local traditions, freshly roasted chestnuts, and the beautiful autumn landscapes during this charming festival.
Good to Know
- A famous character associated with the Castanyada is the castanyera, the chestnut seller. She is an iconic figure in Catalan culture, often depicted as a traditional woman selling chestnuts. The castanyera appears in many children’s books, songs, and folklore, where she is often shown with a basket full of roasted chestnuts and a distinctive apron.
- While the Castanyada is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Catalonia, it is not an official holiday. All Saints’ Day on November 1, however, is an official holiday in Spain, meaning that most shops are closed, except for restaurants, museums, and attractions.
- The overlap of the Castanyada with Halloween has led to the emergence of parties that combine the two traditions, often referred to as “Castaween.” These events try to bridge local customs with international Halloween celebrations.
These are my suggestions for a cozy Castanyada in Barcelona. Have you ever celebrated the Castanyada in Barcelona and have some tips? Feel free to leave a comment!
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