Halloween in Spain 2026: Traditions, Día de Todos los Santos & Things to Do

Halloween in Spain 2026: Traditions, Día de Todos los Santos & Things to Do 

How is Halloween celebrated in Spain? From spooky costume parties to centuries-old traditions, discover what makes Halloween and Día de Todos los Santos different from celebrations in other countries.

If you're spending your first Halloween in Spain, don't be surprised if October 31 looks familiar, but November 1 feels completely different.

You'll find costume parties, spooky decorations and Halloween events. But the next morning, many Spanish families will be visiting cemeteries with flowers, gathering for lunch or enjoying sweets that have been part of local traditions for generations.

And to explore these cultural differences, we've brought in Giovanna, a Mexican-American member of the Bureaucracy Spain team, who grew up with both American Halloween and Mexican traditions.

So, what does Halloween actually look like in Spain?

Is Halloween celebrated in Spain?

Yes! But don't expect every neighbourhood to look like an American Halloween movie.

Halloween has become increasingly popular in Spain, especially among younger generations. Schools organise costume activities, bars throw themed parties, and cities like Madrid and Barcelona offer everything from horror experiences to Halloween nightlife.

However, trick-or-treating (truco o trato) isn't nearly as widespread as in the US. You'll find it in some residential neighbourhoods, international communities and organised events, but it's far from a universal tradition.

And here's something interesting: Spain has its own autumn traditions that go beyond modern Halloween.

Galicia: Samaín and the Night of the Pumpkins

In Galicia, northwestern Spain, Halloween has an interesting connection to the region's Celtic heritage.

Samaín is a revived celebration inspired by ancient seasonal customs marking the transition into winter. Today, towns such as Cedeira celebrate with pumpkin carving, costumes, storytelling and activities inspired by local legends.

You might also hear about Noite dos Calacús (Night of the Pumpkins), associated with carved pumpkin lanterns. Some celebrations draw inspiration from stories of the Santa Compaña, a mysterious ghostly procession from Galician folklore.

These traditions are explored by Turismo de Galicia, the region's official tourism authority.

Catalonia: La Castanyada

In Barcelona and across Catalonia, Halloween shares the calendar with La Castanyada, a traditional autumn celebration associated with All Saints' Day.

Instead of candy, think roasted chestnuts, sweet potatoes and panellets, small almond-based sweets often covered in pine nuts.

You'll find these treats in bakeries and seasonal stalls throughout the region. And while Halloween parties have become increasingly popular, many locals still celebrate La Castanyada with family and friends.

What is Día de Todos los Santos in Spain?

While October 31 brings the costumes, November 1 has a different meaning.

Día de Todos los Santos (All Saints' Day) is a national public holiday in Spain dedicated to honouring saints and traditionally associated with remembering loved ones who have passed away.

Many families visit cemeteries, bring flowers to relatives' graves and gather for a meal. The following day, November 2, is Día de los Fieles Difuntos (All Souls' Day), specifically dedicated to remembering the deceased in the Catholic calendar.

Of course, not every household celebrates the same way. For some, it's an important religious occasion; for others, it's a quiet day with family.

In 2026, Halloween falls on Saturday, October 31, and All Saints' Day on Sunday, November 1. In nine autonomous communities, including Madrid, Andalusia and the Canary Islands, the public holiday is observed on Monday, November 2, creating a long weekend.

Día de Muertos in Madrid: A little piece of Mexico in Spain

One of the best things about living in Spain is discovering new traditions without necessarily leaving your own behind.

Take Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead), for example. Celebrated in Mexico around November 1 and 2, this UNESCO-recognised tradition honours loved ones through colourful ofrendas (altars), marigolds, candles and photographs.

It shares a connection with Spain's Día de Todos los Santos, as both are rooted in remembrance, although their customs and celebrations differ.

And you don't have to travel to Mexico to experience some of these traditions!

In Madrid, the Fundación Casa de México en España brings Mexican culture to the city through exhibitions and cultural activities.

For 2026, its impressive Día de Muertos altar is inspired by the cemeteries of Michoacán and dedicated to Mexican composer Agustín Lara “El Flaco de Oro”. The exhibition is free to visit from October 2 to November 8.

Our teammate Giovanna, who has Mexican-American roots, experienced these celebrations at Casa de México and captured some beautiful photographs of the altars.

"Every year, Casa de México in Madrid goes all out to celebrate Día de Muertos, and this year was no exception. The moment you arrive, you can feel how much love and care goes into bringing these traditions to life. The exhibition featured beautiful altars honoring different people and aspects of Mexican culture, and it’s no surprise that the place gets incredibly busy, with a line often stretching outside the building. Casa de México truly “echa la casa por la ventana” every year, sharing the beauty and meaning of our traditions with the public.

The altar that stood out to me the most was the one dedicated to Agustín Lara, the legendary Mexican composer and singer who holds a special place in Veracruz, where my family comes from. Seeing his legacy celebrated made the exhibition feel more personal, connecting me to a place that is part of my own family history. Another altar that touched me was the one dedicated to pets, a beautiful reminder that the love we share with our animal companions doesn’t simply disappear when they’re gone."

"Growing up with Mexican traditions, Día de Muertos has always meant more than colorful decorations, marigolds, and sugar skulls. It’s about remembering the people we love and keeping their stories alive. Being able to experience that spirit here in Madrid feels special; for a moment, surrounded by these altars, I felt a little closer to home. Casa de México does an incredible job of bringing a piece of Mexico to Spain every year, allowing people from all backgrounds to discover the warmth, history, and love behind one of our most meaningful traditions.

It's a lovely reminder that moving abroad doesn't mean leaving everything familiar behind. Sometimes, you get to celebrate the traditions you grew up with while discovering new ones along the way."

Things to do for Halloween in Spain in 2026

Whether you're looking for a spooky night out or something more traditional, here are a few ways to make the most of Halloween weekend.

1. Visit a Halloween theme park

If haunted houses and jump scares are your thing, Spain has you covered.

Parque Warner Madrid and PortAventura World near Tarragona are known for their seasonal Halloween attractions, including themed performances and horror experiences.

For something closer to home, check local event calendars for escape rooms, costume parties and family-friendly activities.

2. Try traditional All Saints' Day sweets

Forget candy corn for a moment. Spanish bakeries have their own seasonal favourites:

• Huesos de santo: Marzipan pastries traditionally filled with sweet egg yolk, shaped like little bones.
• Buñuelos de viento: Light fried pastries, often filled with cream, custard or chocolate.
• Panellets: Almond-based sweets particularly popular in Catalonia and the Balearic Islands.
• Roasted chestnuts: An autumn classic found at seasonal stalls and traditional celebrations.

In northern Spain, you might also come across magostos, autumn gatherings centred around roasting chestnuts, sharing food and celebrating the harvest.

3. Experience a Spanish autumn tradition

If you prefer discovering local culture, look beyond Halloween parties.

In Galicia, check for Samaín festivities. In Catalonia, visit a Castanyada market or bakery. And in some Spanish cities, you may find performances of Don Juan Tenorio, José Zorrilla's famous 19th-century play about love, death and the supernatural, traditionally associated with All Saints' Day.

You can also explore local markets, cultural events and religious celebrations linked to November 1.

Just remember that All Saints' Day is a meaningful occasion for many families, particularly those visiting cemeteries to remember loved ones.

Tip: Event programmes vary by city and year, so check official local calendars before making plans.

A different kind of Halloween, a new side of Spain

One of the best parts of moving abroad is discovering how even familiar celebrations can surprise you.

In Spain, Halloween might mean dressing up on October 31, trying a traditional pastry the next morning or discovering a local celebration you didn't even know existed.

And little by little, those experiences become part of what makes a new country feel like home.

Your next Halloween could be in Spain!

Moving to Spain is about more than visas and paperwork. It's about everything that comes after: new traditions, new experiences and a new place to call home.

At Bureaucracy Spain, we've helped over 10,000 people navigate their move to Spain, with a 99.9% approval rate. From Digital Nomad Visas and Non-Lucrative Visas to Student Visas and residency renewals, our team makes the immigration process easier through personalised guidance and a 100% online platform.

Ready to start your own Spanish adventure? Book your free consultation with Bureaucracy Spain and let's make your move happen.