A popular and family-friendly celebration that fills the streets of Barcelona with the scent of roasted chestnuts. Celebrate All Saints’ Eve and Night with one of the most deeply rooted traditions in the Catalan calendar.

La Castanyada has its origins in ancient funeral rites, but over time it has become a seasonal custom that signals the start of autumn in the city. As the weather turns colder, the warmth of the first chestnuts, sweet potatoes and panellets creates a shared ritual that brings generations together. It’s celebrated at home, in schools, and out on the streets of Barcelona.

Seasonal foods take the spotlight: roasted chestnuts, oven-baked sweet potatoes and panellets — small marzipan sweets made from almonds and sugar, either homemade or bought at local bakeries. During these days, you’ll often find street stalls run by castanyeres selling hot chestnuts wrapped in newspaper.

This humble tradition is lived with warmth and a touch of nostalgia. More than a festivity, it’s a way of staying grounded — in time, in tradition, and in shared memory.