Halloween is one of the most popular holidays worldwide, even in countries where it is not traditionally celebrated. In Spain, this festivity has gradually gained popularity, with more and more people choosing to dress up and enjoy a night filled with mystery and fun. If you're looking for a different place to celebrate Halloween this year, Mallorca is an excellent choice.
The Balearic island has its own set of traditions and customs that make the Halloween night a unique experience. In this post, we'll tell you why spending Halloween in Mallorca is a great idea and what the most popular traditions are that you can enjoy if you decide to visit the island during this time.
Halloween: The Spookiest Celebration
Halloween is a holiday mainly celebrated in the Anglo-Saxon world, including countries like the United States, Canada, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. This date is celebrated on October 31, the eve of All Saints' Day in the Catholic religion. However, it is not solely a religious holiday; it has become a cultural celebration featuring activities such as trick-or-treating (asking for candy while dressed as spooky characters), Halloween-themed decorations, costume parties, and the preparation of traditional Halloween foods.
The origins of Halloween can be traced back to an ancient pagan festival celebrated by the Celts 2,000 years ago called Samhain. This festival, held between October 31 and November 1, marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. The Celts believed that on this night, the spirits of the dead returned to the world of the living, making the night particularly magical and dangerous. To ward off malevolent spirits, the Celts dressed in animal skins and masks and lit bonfires. With the advent of Christianity, the Samhain festival merged with the celebrations of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day, resulting in what we now know as Halloween.
Why Spending Halloween in Mallorca is a Good Idea
First and foremost, celebrating Halloween in Mallorca is a great plan for several reasons:
- The island offers a wide range of nightlife options, ensuring there's always something fun to do on Halloween night.
- Additionally, the pleasant temperatures in Mallorca at this time of year allow for nighttime strolls through the island's towns and cities.
- Lastly, Halloween in Mallorca presents a unique opportunity to enjoy local traditions and customs, which we'll detail below.
Halloween Traditions in Mallorca
In Mallorca, even though Halloween is not a traditional holiday, some traditions have been adopted, making Halloween a unique experience. Some of these traditions include "Rosaris ensucrats," "Panallets," "Nit de les animes," and "La Castanyada." These traditions make Halloween night a very special time for both Mallorcans and visitors alike.
Curious about what these traditions involve? You'll find out in the following lines:
Rosaris ensucrats
"Rosaris Ensucrats" is a typical Mallorcan tradition celebrated on the eve of All Saints' Day, which is October 31, the same night as Halloween. It involves a walking tour through the streets of the town or city, visiting different altars dedicated to the souls of the deceased.
During the tour, participants carry a lit candle and a rosary, which they recite while visiting the altars. Each altar is decorated with flowers, photographs of the deceased, candles, and other symbolic items.
The name "Ensucrats" comes from the custom of sprinkling ash or flour on the heads of participants as a symbol of death and purification. This practice has evolved over time, and nowadays, it's more common to distribute candies and sweets during the tour.
Panallets
"Panallets" are another typical element of the All Saints' Day celebration, and they are also commonly consumed during Halloween in Mallorca. These traditional sweets are made from ground almonds, sugar, and eggs and are usually served with sweet wine.
There are different varieties of "Panallets," with some of the most popular ones being almond, coconut, and pine nut. They are typically presented in small portions, and their shape can vary depending on the region where they are made.
The tradition of "Panallets" dates back to the Middle Ages when families would prepare these sweets as an offering to their deceased loved ones on All Saints' Day. While they were initially made only in Mallorca, today they can be found in other regions of Spain and some Latin American countries.
La Nit de les Ànimes (The Night of the Souls)
During "La Nit de les Ànimes," it's common for families to gather in cemeteries to bring flowers and candles to the graves of their departed loved ones. Masses are also held, and candles are lit in the windows of homes to guide the souls of the deceased back to their homes.
In some towns and cities in Mallorca, processions and nighttime performances are organized to commemorate "La Nit de les Ànimes." It's also common to read poems and stories related to death, and activities for both children and adults are held to promote the remembrance and memory of the departed.
La Castanyada
Although "La Castanyada" is a traditional festival primarily celebrated in Catalonia, some related activities take place in Mallorca.
On the island, you can find roasted chestnuts and some typical sweets like "panellets," which are very similar to the ones consumed in Catalonia. Moreover, during the Castanyada season, it's customary to prepare typical Mallorcan dishes like "sobrassada" and "botifarró."
At Hotels VIVA, we love to celebrate Halloween in Mallorca in style, and at our VIVA Blue & Spa hotel, we have everything ready to offer you terrifying activities and experiences for the whole family that you won't forget.
In summary, celebrating Halloween in Mallorca is a unique experience, thanks to the adoption of local traditions that have shaped a very special holiday on the island. These traditions make Halloween night a very special time. Are you ready to spend this holiday at Hotels VIVA?
