Halloween is a popular holiday celebrated in many countries around the world. In Madrid, the capital city of Spain, there is a lot of excitement leading up to Halloween. However, the question remains – does Madrid actually celebrate Halloween?
History of Halloween in Spain:
Halloween is not traditionally celebrated in Spain. Instead, November 1st, All Saints’ Day or Día de Todos los Santos, is a national holiday where families gather to remember and honor their deceased loved ones. However, in recent years, there has been an increase in interest and celebration of Halloween.
How do Madrileños Celebrate Halloween?
In Madrid, you can see many storefronts adorned with spooky decorations such as pumpkins and skeletons. Additionally, many bars and clubs host Halloween-themed parties on the weekend closest to October 31st. These parties often include costume contests and live music performances.
One popular event that takes place during this time is the ‘Madrid Zombie Walk’. This event sees thousands of people dressed up as zombies taking over the streets of Madrid to celebrate Halloween.
Trick-or-Treating:
Trick-or-treating is not traditionally practiced in Spain but it has gained popularity amongst younger generations. Some neighborhoods may have children going door-to-door dressed up in costumes asking for candy.
Other Activities:
Apart from parties and trick-or-treating, there are other activities that take place during this time in Madrid. For instance, the Parque de Atracciones (Amusement Park) hosts a special ‘Halloween night’ where visitors can enjoy spooky rides and attractions.
The Bottom Line:
So to answer the question – Yes! Madrid does celebrate Halloween! Although it may not be as widely celebrated as other countries like the United States or Ireland, it has gained popularity over recent years with more people getting into the spirit of this spooky holiday.
If you find yourself in Madrid during Halloween, there are plenty of events and activities to enjoy. Whether it’s attending a costume party or taking part in a zombie walk, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.