Halloween in Mallorca: Nit de les Ànimes and Tots Sants
Halloween has found its place in Mallorca, with costume parties and trick-or-treating, but long before pumpkins arrived the island already had its own way of celebrating these dates: the Nit de les Ànimes (Night of the Souls) and Tots Sants (All Saints’ Day).
Here is everything you need to know about Halloween in Mallorca: its traditions, its sweets and the best ways to enjoy the end of October and the start of November on the island.
1. What Is the Nit de les Ànimes?
The Nit de les Ànimes is the Mallorcan name for the night of 31 October, the eve of All Saints’ Day. It is the island’s own version of Halloween, and in fact both festivities share the same origin: an ancient night dedicated to the souls of the dead.
Traditionally, Mallorcan families gathered at home to remember their loved ones. Church bells tolled for the souls, oil lamps were left burning and people told ghost stories by the fire. It was believed that on this night the souls of the dead returned to visit the places where they had lived.
Today the tradition lives on in a more festive way, with popular celebrations that mix folklore, music and fire, alongside the newer Halloween parties.
2. Tots Sants: All Saints’ Day in Mallorca
Tots Sants (All Saints’ Day) is celebrated on 1 November and is a public holiday in Mallorca. It is a day of remembrance: families visit the cemeteries to clean the graves and decorate them with fresh flowers, and many towns hold a mass in the cemetery.
The next day, 2 November, is the Dia dels Difunts (All Souls’ Day), dedicated to praying for the deceased.
If you are visiting, keep in mind that on 1 November many shops and businesses are closed, while flower stalls and pastry shops are at their busiest in the days before.
3. Bunyols, Panellets and Roasted Chestnuts
Like every Mallorcan festivity, Tots Sants has its own flavours. The undisputed star is the bunyol, a light fried doughnut often made with potato and sprinkled with sugar. Bunyols are eaten from the Revetla de les Verges (21 October) until All Saints’, and during these weeks the streets smell of fried dough.
Other seasonal treats are the panellets, small marzipan sweets covered with pine nuts or almonds, and roasted chestnuts (castanyes torrades), sold hot on the street when the first cool evenings arrive.
Tip: order your bunyols with a cup of hot chocolate at a traditional bakery. It is the most Mallorcan way to celebrate Halloween!
4. Rosaris de Sucre: The Sweetest Tradition
One of the most charming customs of Tots Sants in Mallorca is the rosari de sucre (sugar rosary). It is a large necklace made of sweets, candied fruit and sugar beads, with a small decorated medallion in the centre.
Traditionally, godparents give these rosaries to their godchildren on All Saints’ Day. You will see them hanging in the windows of pastry shops all over the island at the end of October.
Many town councils and libraries organise rosaris ensucrats workshops for children in the days before 1 November, a lovely way to discover local culture with the family.
Frequently Asked Questions about Halloween in Mallorca
When is the Nit de les Ànimes?
It is the night of 31 October, the eve of All Saints’ Day (Tots Sants).
Is 1 November a holiday in Mallorca?
Yes. Tots Sants (All Saints’ Day) is a public holiday, and many shops are closed.
What do Mallorcans eat on All Saints’ Day?
Bunyols (sugar-coated doughnuts), panellets, roasted chestnuts and the colourful sugar rosaries.
Is Halloween celebrated in Mallorca?
Yes. Halloween parties and trick-or-treating are very popular, and they coexist with the island’s traditional Nit de les Ànimes and Tots Sants celebrations.
Whether you are looking for spooky parties or authentic local traditions, the end of October is a magical time to discover a different side of Mallorca.
