Halloween 2024 in Barcelona

As Halloween approaches, Barcelona transforms into a vibrant city full of diverse traditions and celebrations. While the American version of Halloween is becoming increasingly popular, locals also embrace unique Catalan customs. This blend of traditions offers visitors a range of activities and experiences, from cultural festivals to thrilling parties.

Traditional Celebrations

All Saints Day (Friday, November 1, 2024)

In Spain, Halloween coincides with All Saints Day on November 1, a significant religious holiday where people honor the deceased by visiting cemeteries and attending masses. It is a time for reflection and remembrance, marked by the tradition of placing flowers and candles on graves.

La Castanyada (Thursday, October 31, 2024)

The city also celebrates La Castanyada, a traditional Catalan festival that adds a distinct local flavor to late October. During La Castanyada, the aroma of roasted chestnuts fills the streets, as locals enjoy these seasonal treats alongside sweet bread rolls known as panellets. Celebrated on October 31, this festival offers visitors a chance to indulge in authentic Catalan cuisine and immerse themselves in the region’s cultural heritage.

Witch Fest: Fira de les Bruixes (October 31–November 1, 2024)

A short drive (1.5 hours) from Barcelona, Sant Feliu Sasserra hosts the Fira de les Bruixes, or Witch Fest. This cultural event combines street theatre, historical reenactments, and artisan crafts, drawing from the town’s 17th-century witch trials. The festival opens with Fes-ta Witch, featuring live music, circus acts, and a speed painting competition. The following day, the Witches Fair showcases local crafts and culminates in theatrical performances that recount chilling tales of witch hunts. As the organizers claim, this festival offers a fascinating insight into Catalonia’s history and folklore.

Halloween at Poble Espanyol (October 18–November 3, 2024)

Poble Espanyol, an open-air architectural museum near the Fountains of Montjuïc, will transform into a Halloween wonderland from Friday, October 18, to Sunday, November 3, from 10 am to 6 pm. This family-friendly event features a variety of activities, including mysterious quizzes, a terror tunnel, and storytelling sessions, all designed to entertain visitors of all ages. The celebration also includes a costume contest, adding an extra layer of fun. Tickets start at €11.50, with admission required for non-residents of Catalonia. Poble Espanyol's central location ensures easy access via public transportation, making it a great destination for families looking to enjoy Halloween festivities together. Also, delicious food is offered by food trucks at the Plaza.

Nightlife and Halloween Parties

October 31 is a lively night in Barcelona, with many clubs hosting Halloween-themed parties. Popular venues like Opium Mar, Shoko, Sala Apolo, and Monasterio offer special events, with La Terrazza’s Disco Inferno often serving as the season's closing party. Pacha Barcelona, Xceed HQ, and INPUT High Fidelity Dance Club also feature Halloween celebrations, providing ample options for those looking to dance the night away.

Ghost Tours

For a more eerie experience, Barcelona offers ghost tours that delve into the city’s mysterious past. Tours of notable cemeteries, such as Montjuïc and Poblenou, are available throughout the year, with prices typically ranging from €20 to €35. These tours allow participants to uncover the secrets behind Barcelona’s most famous resting places.

The Ghost Walking Tour

The Ghost Walking Tour offers an immersive exploration of Barcelona's haunted past, guiding participants through the historic Sant Pere, Santa Caterina, and La Ribera quarters. This tour, inspired by Sylvia Lagarda-Mata's book Fantasmes de Barcelona, reveals eerie tales of exorcisms, witchcraft, and phantom apparitions.

For €13, visitors can enjoy a night-time stroll through these enigmatic streets, led by an experienced bilingual (Spanish and English) guide who brings to life the city’s most chilling legends. The tours begin at the Arc de Triomf and run every Friday at 8:30 pm. The use of headphones ensures that all participants can clearly hear the guide's captivating stories.

Stoke’s Halloween Ghost Hunt (Thursday, October 31, 2024)

For those seeking adventure, this scavenger hunt takes you through the Gothic Quarter, uncovering the sinister secrets of the Catalan capital’s past. For €25 per person, participants receive a swag bag with clues, a map, and access to a thrilling Halloween party. The adventure starts at a central bar with spooky stories, leading to various haunted checkpoints, where teams complete Halloween challenges. The night culminates in a lively party with costume prizes and face painting. The ghost hunt is perfect for those looking to explore Barcelona's dark history in a fun and unforgettable way.