Halloween in Barcelona is two celebrations sharing one night. One is the costume party everyone knows. The other is the Castanyada, a Catalan autumn tradition that fills the streets with roasted chestnuts. Here’s what the night actually looks like.
The Castanyada, briefly
Before Halloween arrived in Spain, the last night of October in Catalonia already had its own tradition. Street stalls roast castanyes (chestnuts) in paper cones, bakeries fill with panellets, small almond sweets rolled in pine nuts, and families share roasted moniato (sweet potato) at home. It happens on the eve of All Saints’ Day, which is a public holiday across Spain, so the whole city has reason to be out.
Pick up a cone of chestnuts on the way to dinner and you’ve done the most Barcelona thing about the night before the costumes even come out.
Halloween night out
Halloween has grown into one of the biggest nights out of the autumn here. Bars and clubs run themed nights, most people make the effort to dress up, and because the next day is a holiday, the city doesn’t rush home early.
What to wear
Any costume works, that’s the whole point of the night. If you want to match the name, a duck costume always gets a reaction.
Stock changes every year, so here are search links rather than specific products, you’ll see what’s actually available when you click through.
- Duck costume, adult sizingSearch →
- Duck onesie, more casual optionSearch →
- Duck feet or bill, as accessoriesSearch →
Whatever you wear, two things matter more than the costume itself. If it’s inflatable, it runs on a small battery-powered fan, check it takes batteries before the night rather than after. And if it covers your face, keep it easy to lift, doors check photo ID against your actual face.
Common questions
Is Halloween celebrated in Barcelona?
Yes. It has grown into one of the biggest nights out of the autumn, with themed parties across the city’s bars and clubs. It shares the date with the Castanyada, a Catalan tradition that predates it here.
What is the Castanyada?
A Catalan celebration on the night of 31 October, the eve of All Saints’ Day. The food is roasted chestnuts, roasted sweet potato and panellets, small almond sweets rolled in pine nuts.
Is 1 November a public holiday in Barcelona?
Yes, All Saints’ Day is a national holiday in Spain, which is part of why the night before is such a big one for going out.
Can I wear a full mask to a club on Halloween?
You can wear a costume, but doors check ID against your face, so a mask that’s slow to remove will slow you down getting in. Keep it easy to lift.
Our Halloween event
On 31 October we run a hosted Halloween night: three events, club entry and Halloween accessories for the first 100 guests, with travellers from all over the world.
Three hosted events, club entry with a drink and accessories for the first 100 guests, from 22:00 on 31 October.
See the night and book →