Sentiment and Tradition
Spooky Season is officially upon us and whereas we are used to celebrating with pumpkins and sweets, the traditions in Spain have much deeper roots.
In Spain, the Día de los Muertos or Día de los Difuntos (Day of the Dead) is celebrated with solemnity and reflection. While the Day of the Dead is often associated with Mexican traditions full of vibrant colors and lively festivals, Spain's observance of this ancient custom is more rooted in quiet remembrance, family, and religious tradition.
Spain's Day of the Dead traces back to ancient traditions of honoring the deceased, stemming from Catholic influence and pre-Christian customs. In the Catholic calendar, the two days of Todos los Santos (All Saints' Day) on November 1st, and Día de los Difuntos (All Souls' Day) on November 2nd, are set aside to commemorate saints and the souls of the departed with an approach of quiet focus and reflection, prayer, and visits to cemeteries.
Traditions Across Spain vary but will include cemetery visits: The central tradition on Day of the Dead in Spain is visiting the graves of loved ones. Families gather at local cemeteries, bringing flowers to decorate the graves of deceased relatives. This is a time for reflection, prayer, and connection to those who have passed. Cemeteries, usually full of color, are transformed into serene, peaceful places as families quietly pay their respects.
Flowers and Candles: Chrysanthemums are the most common flower associated with the Day of the Dead in Spain. They symbolize death and eternal life, and families bring them in large bouquets to decorate graves. Candles are often lit as a symbol of remembrance and to guide the souls of the departed.
Masses and Prayers: Many Spaniards attend church services to honor the dead. Catholic masses are held in memory of those who have passed, and special prayers are said for the souls of the departed, especially those who may still be in purgatory according to Catholic belief.
Though the core traditions of remembrance and cemetery visits are consistent throughout Spain, there are notable regional differences in how Day of the Dead is observed, and here in typical Andalusian style, families often hold gatherings after visiting the cemetery. These reunions may include food, stories about the departed, and even shared laughter as memories of loved ones are passed down to younger generations.
In recent years, Halloween's influence has been felt across Spain, particularly in urban areas. Parties, costumes, and trick-or-treating are becoming more popular, especially among younger generations, so don´t forget to have a basket of sweets at the ready, for the new generation of trick or treaters!
