You might also enjoy reading...
Enter the dates
6 October 2025
Between panellets and pumpkins, Barcelona in October offers a unique experience that blends tradition and fun. What makes this time of year so special is the chance to enjoy the best of both worlds: tasting panellets and roasted chestnuts in a cozy atmosphere during the day, and diving into some of the most exciting Halloween experiences in the evening. Whether you’re traveling with family, as a couple, or with friends, the city has a wide range of activities that make autumn one of the most vibrant seasons of the year. Stay with Aspasios in Barcelona and make the most of this magical time of year.
La Castanyada is a Catalan festival celebrated on the eve of All Saints’ Day. Its origins go back to old funeral meals, when families gathered to share chestnuts, sweet potatoes, and sweet wine to remember their loved ones and endure the long nights of vigil. Over time, this custom evolved into a popular and family-friendly celebration that still retains all of its charm.
The most iconic sweet of the season is the panellet, made with almond and sugar, now available in countless flavors such as pine nuts, coconut, chocolate, or coffee. In Barcelona, bakeries fill their windows with colorful trays of panellets, while the streets are filled with the aroma of roasted chestnuts sold in paper cones. In neighborhoods like Poble-sec, Eixample, or Sants-Montjuïc, community Castanyada events are held with workshops, children’s activities, and live music, making this tradition a warm and welcoming experience.
La Castanyada increasingly coexists with Halloween, which has become an unmissable event in Barcelona. This year, three activities stand out for their originality and appeal.
From October 18 to November 2, Poble Espanyol turns into a giant stage of mystery. During the day, the venue hosts family-friendly activities such as workshops, games, and shows so children can enjoy themselves in a safe and festive environment. But as night falls, the atmosphere shifts: haunted tunnels, dark passages, and eerie characters fill the streets of the venue to create a more intense and thrilling experience. Its location on Montjuïc Hill and the detailed decoration make Creepy Halloween one of the city’s most complete events.
The historic Barcelona Wax Museum, located just off La Rambla, takes advantage of its unique setting to offer special experiences during the Halloween season. Its halls, already surprising in their own right, are transformed with lighting effects and mysterious decoration. Visitors wander through themed spaces where the wax figures take on an unsettling air, blurring the line between reality and fiction. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking something different in the heart of Barcelona, perfect for a night out with friends or as a couple.
Just over an hour from Barcelona, PortAventura World hosts one of the most spectacular Halloween celebrations in Europe. For several weeks, the entire park is filled with giant pumpkins, cobwebs, and classic horror characters accompanying visitors around every corner. In addition to the decorations, exclusive shows are performed only for the season, along with haunted houses that test the courage of even the bravest. The best part is that there are also family-friendly options, so parents and children alike can enjoy the event. It’s the perfect plan to spend a full day and experience the magic of Halloween to the fullest.