Tosantos and Halloween: Two Different Traditions or One?

 

October 31st is a holiday in many countries around the world. In Spain, this celebration is known as Tosantos or All Saints’ Day and is held in honor of the saints and the deceased on November 1st. In recent years, however, Tosantos has seen its tradition influenced by Halloween, a Celtic-origin holiday celebrated in other Anglo-Saxon countries.

Tosantos has its origins in an ancient pagan tradition that marked the end of summer and the beginning of winter. During this time, the Celts believed that the spirits of the deceased returned to the world of the living. To appease these spirits, they made offerings of food and drink.

With the advent of Christianity, Tosantos became a religious celebration in honor of all saints and the deceased. During this time, a mass was held in which bread, wine, and fruits were blessed. These offerings were distributed among the attendees.

In recent years, Halloween has been gaining popularity in Spain. This holiday is celebrated on the same day as Tosantos, and its traditions have been blending with those of the Spanish celebration.

One of the most visible influences of Halloween on Tosantos is decoration. Many Spanish homes and streets feature carved pumpkins, cobwebs, and other typical Halloween decorations. “Haunted Houses” are even organized, where children and adults enjoy traversing mazes where ghosts and scary characters chase and frighten you.

 

 

Another influence of Halloween on Tosantos is costumes. In many Spanish cities, parades and costume contests for Halloween are organized. This tradition has also been transferred to Tosantos, and it is increasingly common to see children and adults dressed up for this celebration.

Tosantos is celebrated in Spain in various ways. In some cities, the most popular tradition is to prepare “huesos de santo,” sweet treats made of sponge cake, marzipan, and powdered sugar. In other regions, it is customary to visit the cemetery to honor the deceased, where people often bring flowers and candles to the graves of their loved ones.

In Andalusia, many cities and towns celebrate Tosantos night with various gastronomic and artisanal markets where, in addition to enjoying delicious “huesos de santo,” it is also traditional to buy roasted chestnuts, sugar cane sticks, nuts, cream puffs, or yemas de Santa Teresa, among many other delicacies.

 

 

Halloween is also celebrated in Spain in various ways. Increasingly, in most cities, parties with music, dancing, and food are organized. In other cities, costume contests and other activities like the aforementioned “Haunted House” take place.

Tosantos and Halloween are two celebrations with different origins and traditions. However, in recent years, these two holidays have merged, giving rise to a new tradition that combines elements of both and is enjoyed by both adults and children.

On October 31st, in the town of San Roque, there will be a traditional market in Alfonso XI Square, a “Haunted House,” and a Children’s Party at 6:00 PM, as well as a “Neon party” with a DJ from 10:00 PM, as a new addition this year.

In La Reserva de Sotogrande, the Halloween party returns to the Racquet Centre with challenges and games for the whole family, workshops, a terrifying costume contest, and, of course, “Trick or Treating” starting at 3 PM.

From Ondomus Sotogrande Real Estate, we wish you a happy and spooky Halloween and Tosantos celebration!