Chestnut tree festival in Barcelona: what it is and why it is celebrated

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On October 31, Halloween is celebrated in countless countries, even in those that do not have this tradition of pagan origin in their history.. In Spain, dressing up came later and joined All Saints' Day. On November 1, a holiday throughout the country, people usually visit the cemetery to honor deceased relatives and bring them flowers. In Catalonia, they also carry out the popular chestnut tree.

This popular festival is celebrated from November 31 to 1, although cities like Barcelona extend the activities to the rest of the week.. But traditionally during these two days they eat chestnuts – hence the name -, panellets, sweet potatoes and other fruits of the season..

Origin of chestnut

All Saints' Day is a date to remember the ancestors that has its origin in the Celtic peoples and the end of the harvest. The 18th century is taken as a reference for the birth of the chestnut tree, although there are other older elements of the festival.. The well-known panellets that fill the homes and pastry shops of Catalonia were already eaten in Roman times during banquets in honor of the deceased during the night of the souls.. The typical sweet is made of sweet potato and almonds and is traditionally eaten on November 1.

But the main element of the festival is the chestnut. This fruit is consumed mainly in autumn and winter and gives its name to the celebration.. According to the Catalan Costumari by Joan Amades, the chestnut trees of Barcelona were placed on All Saints' Day in the Portal del Angel and the Portal de Don Carlos, passage areas to go to the city's cemeteries: that of Poblenou and that of the plagued, which no longer exists. These women dressed in long skirts, wool aprons and hoods prayed for the souls of the deceased while roasting chestnuts.. It was also believed that getting soot on your face was good luck..

According to tradition, the popularization of eating chestnuts on November 1 is due to the bell ringers. And these workers spent hours touching the fields, so they needed to regain strength by eating one of the fruits of the season: chestnuts.. Now it is a tradition to accompany them with sweet wine and spend this holiday with family and friends..