THAT’S LIFE
Halloween in Spain Like most things in Spain, even Halloween is borrowed from overseas and transformed into something of their own, not to mention that each region puts its personal stamp on it. It doesn’t have the pomp and hype as in the US, but rather a traditional feel which sets it apart from most European countries. Better known as El Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead or All Souls Day), Halloween in Spain is a three-day celebration that kicks off on October 31st with Dia de las Brujas (Day of the Witches), continues with Dia de Todos los Santos (All Saints Day) on November 1st, and culminates with Dia de los Muertos on November 2nd. Far from being a commercial holiday, the Spanish Halloween is all about honouring the dead and celebrating the continuity of life. Accordingly, specific customs and rituals can be observed throughout the country, most of them similar to those in Mexico and other Spanish-speaking nations. For instance, during the Dia de Todos los Santos, which is a public holiday, many families tend to gather at the grave of their deceased relatives with holy water, flowers, food, and drink in order to rejoice and socialize.
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