Halloween in Spain

Halloween is celebrated in Spain due to the cultural and media influence of the United States, which has turned this holiday into a global phenomenon. Curiosity about foreign traditions and the appeal of a fun and mysterious themed party contributed to its rapid acceptance in the country. But do you know when Halloween started being celebrated in Spain? Find out with us!

You can also read this article in Spanish, French, Italian, German, Portuguese, or Dutch.

How did Halloween come to Spain?

Halloween came to Spain through Anglo-Saxon influence and culture, especially from the United States, and has gradually taken root throughout the country with celebrations and themed parties on October 31.

Movies and television series, and later globalization, have been the main channels that have introduced Halloween as another holiday in Spanish society. Horror movies such as Halloween (1978) and A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) showed the holiday with its characteristic pumpkins, costumes, and decorated houses, arousing the curiosity and interest of viewers in Spain. You can read about the origins of Halloween in the United States in our article.

Over time, schools and businesses began to adopt some elements of this celebration. Schools started organizing costume parties, pumpkin contests, and activities related to fear or the supernatural, especially in English classes, where young children learn vocabulary and traditions from Anglo-Saxon countries. On the other hand, stores and shopping centers took advantage of the date to offer themed products and promotions, thus contributing to their expansion.

Currently, Halloween is celebrated in Spain with themed parties and events in nightclubs, bars, amusement parks, and in many homes. Children practice the famous trick or treat in some neighborhoods, while adults enjoy costume parties or horror movie marathons.

Thus, Halloween has remained in Spain thanks to the social desire for fun and creativity, especially among young people. Dressing up, decorating classrooms or homes, scaring or being scared are now another tradition in Spain on October 31. A holiday that mixes humor, fear, and art that is here to stay.

Since when has it been celebrated in Spain?

Although Halloween has very ancient roots, its celebration in Spain is relatively recent. It wasn't until the late 1980s and early 1990s that Halloween began to gain a foothold in the country. Before that, October 31 went unnoticed because the Spanish tradition celebrates Día de Todos los Santos or All Saints' Day on November 1, and, in the Catholic tradition, All Souls' Day on November 2. Both days are dedicated to remembering deceased loved ones.

The rise of international media and private television networks, as well as the growth of tourism, facilitated the introduction of new customs from the Anglo-Saxon world. In large cities such as Madrid and Barcelona, the first Halloween celebrations began in bars, bilingual schools, and foreign communities.

From the 2000s onwards, Halloween became firmly established in Spain, especially among children and young people. Social media, films, and advertising campaigns reinforced the idea of celebrating the night of October 31 with costumes, makeup, decorations, and fun. Today, although it is not an official holiday, its presence on the calendar is unquestionable.

Halloween vocabulary in Spanish

As you have seen, Halloween has taken root in Spain as another tradition and, like others such as Christmas in Spain or Holy Week in Spain, it has specific vocabulary that you may be interested in learning.

That's why don Quijote brings you the Halloween vocabulary in Spanish that you need to fully master this holiday: decorations, characters, places, and sweets.

• Calabazas (Pumpkins)
• Velas (Candles)
• Disfraces (Costumes)
• Máscaras (Masks)
• Escoba (Broom)
• Caldero (Cauldron)
• Tumba (Tomb)
• Cementerio (Cemetery)
• Ataúd (Coffin)
• Arañas (Spiders)
• Telaraña (Spider web)
• Calaveras (Skulls)
• Murciélagos (Bats)
• Fantasmas (Ghosts)
• Gato negro (Black cat)

• Bruja / Brujo (Witch / Wizard)
• Hechicera / Hechicero (Sorceress / Sorcerer)
• Vampiro (Vampire)
• Hombre lobo (Werewolf)
• Zombi (Zombie)
• Momia (Mummy)
• Esqueleto (Skeleton)
• Diablo (Devil)
• Demonio (Demon)
• Truco o trato (Trick or treat)
• Noche de brujas (Halloween)

Want more? We'll also tell you what typical Halloween treats are called in Spanish:

• Caramelos (Candy)
• Chocolates (Chocolate)
• Galletas decoradas (Decorated cookies)
• Pasteles de Halloween (Halloween cakes)
• Manzanas caramelizadas (Caramel apples)
• Dulces de calabaza (Pumpkin treats)

If you want to continue learning vocabulary and interesting facts about Spanish, don't miss any of our weekly articles. And to continue practicing the language and speaking it like a native, sign up for one of our intensive Spanish courses and come experience Halloween firsthand at one of our 11 schools in Spain. Don't hesitate any longer and contact us! We are waiting for you with open arms.