Lost and Recovered Traditions of All Saints' Day and Its Eve in Málaga

Long before the tradition of Halloween spread through towns and cities in Spain, there were deeply rooted local customs related to All Saints' Day and its eve, as well as November 2, known as All Souls' Day. Some were fun and carefree, even resembling 'trick or treat,' while others were spine-chilling.

Today many of these customs are considered lost, although some have been revived thanks to the efforts of many residents of towns like Fuente de Piedra or El Borge, who have involved younger generations to celebrate a more authentic tradition, in some cases with centuries of history.

In many inland villages of the province of Málaga and even some in Sevilla, there was a custom involving altar boys. They would take turns with the priest to ring the church bells during these days. To ease their effort, on the eve of October 31, they would go door-to-door asking for seasonal food to sustain them while they performed their duties from the church tower. These were not sweets but seasonal fruits, such as quince or chestnuts. Today, this tradition has been partially revived in the village of Fuente de Piedra thanks to the women's association Amanecer, which has reinstated it on the afternoon of every October 31, featuring popular tastings of chestnuts, porridge, muffins, and hot chocolate. At least, there are no candies involved.

Similar to the previous one, there was a tradition involving generally the children of villages like Salares or hamlets like Benagalbón (Rincón de la Victoria). In the former, it was called the Holy Mortar, as this was the phrase the children would shout when, going house to house, asking for seasonal food for the souls, they managed to get products like chestnuts, almonds, or pomegranates. Today, only the name remains in Salares, as it has turned into a costume party and a terrifying parade that clearly resembles Halloween more than the Holy Mortar. There is a variant in the village of Algatocín where children sang little songs house to house, but this tradition has been considered lost for decades.

The solemn and eerie procession of the Holy Company used to send shivers down the spine of many a few decades ago in many inland villages during the eve of All Saints' Day, popularly known as the Night of the Souls. With little lighting and white robes, it was best to stay indoors. Today, this tradition has been revived in the village of El Borge, thanks to the association El Pasero, which has managed to involve the youth of this village in the Axarquía. In collaboration with the City Council, the program for October 31 includes, in addition to the procession of the Holy Company, an original itinerary of Iberian terror.

The village of Maro in Nerja had established a gastronomic festival on the evening of October 31 for decades. The residents would gather to share two seasonal products, chestnuts and sweet potatoes, roasted as the sun set. But this custom was almost absorbed when it merged with the Anglo-Saxon tradition of Halloween and was renamed Maroween. The terrifying costumes and 'trick or treat' have overshadowed that tasting, which, however, continues to resist disappearing. This October 31 from 7 PM, those who visit this rural and coastal core of the Axarquía can see for themselves.

More than a tradition, it was a legend. There was a belief revolving around an ancient bridge in Torrox, of medieval origin. On the night of each November 1, it was said that a group of spirits with chains and torches would pass through there. From there, according to this popular belief, these sorrowful souls would head towards the convent of Our Lady of the Snows, which is a bit further up. This place is relatively removed from the urban center of Torrox and is in disuse. So much so, that on more than one occasion, the surrounding vegetation has had to be cleared to keep it visible. At the last hour of such special days as All Saints' Day, many people from Torrox approach this place, which has long been known as the bridge of the Souls due to this legend.

Currently, it is an organized activity that will allow the tradition of telling scary stories on the night of October 31 to be remembered. Specifically, it will take place while touring the historic center of Vélez-Málaga. This proposal, organized by the Casa de las Titas apartments, is a guided and dramatized tour, in which various historical characters will participate. This tour lasts approximately two hours.

In Antequera, it was customary for residents to walk through the city's neighborhoods singing a very special rosary on the eve of All Souls' Day, that is, each November 1. This religious tradition has long been considered lost.

In many villages in Málaga, All Souls' Day is deeply respected, avoiding popular and playful celebrations on that day. This is the case in Pujerra, where days before the Chestnut Festival is celebrated, but it never extends until November 2 out of respect for the older people who live that day with special solemnity.

For decades, the last day of October and the first two days of November were associated with the performance of José Zorrilla's most famous play, Don Juan Tenorio, which in fiction took place precisely during those days. The protagonist faces the judgment of souls in the cemetery, and death emerges as a transformative force. Today, this performance continues in several municipalities in Málaga, such as Antequera, Ronda, or Torremolinos, where it can be seen in theaters or cultural centers during these days.

* Other lost traditions both in Málaga and other parts of Andalusia were family dinners after visiting the cemetery, the lighting of 'butterflies' or small lamps in homes during the Night of All Souls, or night vigils in cemeteries and continuous ringing of bells.