A sweet and heartwarming Catalan way to welcome autumn
November 1st is a public holiday throughout Spain. It marks All Saints’ Day, a deeply rooted celebration in Catalan culture that blends reflection, tradition, and flavor. In Catalonia, this date is lived with a warm, family spirit around a very special celebration: La Castanyada.
A Tradition that Unites Generations
While in many parts of the world All Saints’ Day is linked to solemn rituals, in Catalonia the day is filled with the aromas of roasted chestnuts, baked sweet potatoes, and panellets — the quintessential autumn treat. This custom, which dates back centuries, originated in old communal meals held in honor of the deceased, where people shared seasonal foods around the fire.
Today, La Castanyada remains a moment to gather with family and friends, share a table full of traditional sweets, and lovingly remember those who are no longer with us — with serenity and gratitude.
La Castanyada: a Catalan Tradition to Celebrate Life and Autumn
November 1st is a public holiday throughout Spain. It marks All Saints’ Day, a deeply rooted celebration in Catalan culture that blends reflection, tradition, and flavor. In Catalonia, this date is lived with a warm, family spirit around a very special celebration: La Castanyada.
Autumn Flavors: Panellets, Sweet Potatoes, and Chestnuts
Panellets are the undisputed stars of this celebration. These small sweets are made with a base of potato or sweet potato, ground almonds, sugar, and pine nuts, filling pastry shops with irresistible colors and aromas. The classic ones are covered with pine nuts, but you’ll also find versions made with coconut, coffee, or chocolate — a delicious variety to please every palate.
Roasted chestnuts and baked sweet potatoes complete the autumn table, evoking the simple, earthy flavors of the season. During these days, it’s easy to spot the traditional castanyeres (chestnut sellers) on the streets of Barcelona, standing by their little smoking stalls, roasting chestnuts over wood or charcoal. It’s worth stopping for a moment to savor their warm, authentic taste — a true symbol of the Catalan autumn.
Experience La Castanyada in the Heart of Barcelona
If you are staying at Hotel Continental Barcelona, located at La Rambla 138, you can enjoy the city’s autumn atmosphere with a short walk to La Boqueria Market, where you’ll find an excellent selection of artisanal panellets and seasonal products.
And if your stay is at Hotel Continental Palacete, on Rambla de Catalunya corner with Carrer Diputació, we recommend visiting two exceptional nearby pastry shops:
- La Pastisseria Barcelona (Carrer Aragó, 228), renowned for its panellets and signature creations.
- Casa Vives (Carrer Aragó corner Rambla de Catalunya), a classic Barcelona bakery preserving the essence of the finest Catalan pastry traditions.
Celebrate and Remember
Beyond its delightful flavors, La Castanyada is an invitation to pause and share time with loved ones — celebrating life while remembering those we love who are no longer here.
It is a simple yet profound tradition that unites generations and reminds us each year of the importance of family bonds and memory.
From Hotel Continental, we invite you to experience this deeply Catalan festivity in the heart of Barcelona — enjoying the aromas of autumn and the human warmth that defines our culture.
Happy Castanyada!
