– Quemadas
Halloween is perhaps most celebrated in Galicia, in northern Spain, due to its Celtic history, while the rest of the country focuses on the following day, known as Dia de Todos los Santos (All Saints’ Day).
In Galicia, however, many traditions you can expect in the UK are practised here, from trick or treating to dressing up and pumpkin carving.
Something you probably do not traditionally do though is drink quemadas. This is a hot fiery alcoholic drink made from aguardiente, unground coffee beans, sugar, lemon rind or orange peels, and infused with herbs. It is then set alight and quickly drunk.
This concoction is believed to dispense bad luck for the next 12 months, so is enjoyed with enthusiasm throughout the region.
– Pumpkins galore
While Spanish dishes might be best known for its Mediterranean vegetables, such as courgettes and peppers, there are also some delicious pumpkin recipes to be found here.
Throughout the country, you can expect to taste pumpkin soup, pie, squash, custard or cake, or sautéed pumpkin. People enjoy the root vegetable with zest during October and November, teaming it with delicious Spanish ham and cheese as well.
– Huesos de santo
Of course, Halloween isn’t Halloween without sweets, and Spanish children are offered an abundance of sugary snacks on October 31st.
These include huesos de santo (saint’s bones), which are white hollow tubes 5cm in length made out of a thin layer of marzipan. They are then stuffed with a variety of fillings, including coconut, chocolate, dulce de leche or strawberry.