Autumn, Halloween and Chestnut Festival

The myriad landscapes in the regions of Barcelona offer up a world of possibilities for savouring the pleasures of gastronomy all year round, but the variety of foods available in local markets in the autumn is particularly rich. Dishes are filled with the delicious and surprising flavours that are so characteristic of Catalan cuisine. With the pantry full of seasonal products, you’ll be ready to welcome the cold weather!

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.