How is Halloween celebrated in Mallorca?
Where does this festival come from?
In Mallorca, the eve of the day of “Tots Sants” (All Saints) is the “Nit de les Ànimes” (Night of the Souls). Traditionally this is the date on which the souls of the ancestors return home, so the custom was to light candles inside turnips and decorated pumpkins. These were placed at the entrance of the houses or rooms for the souls to find their way. The fireplace was also lit and the doors left open, a plate was left on the table for the deceased. Even a warm bed was prepared in case the deceased wanted to rest.
Current traditions
Pumpkin lanterns
Although traditionally turnips were used in Ireland where the custom originated, pumpkins became more popular through American culture. The top is cut off and the pumpkin carefully hollowed out. The top is cut off and carefully emptied. Then the eyes and mouth are cut open and a candle is placed inside.
Rosaris ensucrats (necklace of sweets)
It is a very Mallorcan tradition for godparents to give their godchildren a necklace of sweets on this day. It can also be prepared at home with the children. In the centre of the “Rosari” a “patena” should be placed. It can be a chocolate coin, a biscuit or any round sweet.
Traditional cuisine: Buñols (fritters), panellets and chestnuts
Fritters are the great sweets eaten in Mallorca at this time of year. It is well worth eating them freshly made.
Visit to the cemetery
It is the most common tradition on the island. Families visit their deceased and present them with flowers.
Collecting sweets
Halloween culture is now widespread, with costumed children visiting houses to trick-or-treat. Although this is an Anglo-Saxon tradition, it is now practised on the island. Candy collecting and carnival processions are ancient indigenous traditions.
Halloween in Capdepera 2022
- 31 October 2022
- from 16:00 to 19:00h
- Plaça del Pins in Cala Rajada
- Halloween make-up workshop
- Candle-holder workshop
- Children’s entertainment
