Autumn, Halloween and Chestnut Festival

Autumn. The cool air begins to fill the environment and the light fades earlier each day. These are the days when many trees shed their leaves or their tops are tinged with ochre and red. This is undoubtedly a remarkable time to visit the forests, not only to collect mushrooms, but also to fully enjoy a captivating landscape with unbeatable colours. Here are five of these fantastic places in the regions of Barcelona. 

One of the most closely-guarded secrets by Catalan families is the set of coordinates for the spots where they go mushroom hunting when autumn comes around. We’re ready to show you some places where you might find some mushrooms at the feet of trees, although we can’t guarantee that they’ll be there because various climatic and environmental factors come into play. Remember to pick only mushrooms that you’re familiar with and to be respectful of the local nature. Some of the picnic areas listed here have barbecue facilities, so you might even get to cook the mushrooms you’ve picked.

According to tradition, Halloween night is when the dead return to visit the world of the living. In homes across Catalonia, trays filled with chestnuts, panellets (little almond cakes) and dessert wine await them. Meanwhile, the welcome continues outdoors with fun-filled parties where they enjoy the gift of life before returning to their resting place. Don’t leave them to dance on their own! Here are some of the festivities that celebrate the night of the dead.

Unlike in the rest of Europe, visiting cemeteries is not a typical tourist activity in the regions of Barcelona. That’s a shame, because Catalan cemeteries are home to some incredible tombs, family vaults and mausoleums. You’re not convinced? Just plan a morning visit - you’ll be surprised by the rich artistic, historical, cultural and social heritage of these authentic open-air museums.