Thankfully this year, Halloween really is coming to Barcelona. Until recent years in Barcelona, the only Halloween “Todos Santos” celebration has been the Castanyada, which takes the form of eating roast chestnuts on 1st November. The derogatory views held in Barcelona of Halloween as being “commercial” and “too American” seem to be finally subsiding as more and more local expats are organising Halloween events to celebrate this ancient pagan Irish holiday.
Traditionally Halloween or “E’en of Hallows” (Evening before All Hallows) in Ireland was a celebration of the harvest, casting away evil demons from next year’s crop. People used to dress up as scary entities and light bonfires to scare away bad spirits and allow for a good harvest to come. Although still celebrated to modern standards, it is possible to avoid the commercial aspect of Halloween; simply make your costume, don’t buy it. Here is the lineup of the best Halloween events in Barcelona. There’s something for everyone!
Brunch Electronik 16h-20h (Poble Espanyol)
One for families, believe it or not; this year Brunch Electronik are organising special Halloween festivities for kids up in Poble Espanyol. From 4pm until 8pm you can bring your little ones to celebrate in fancy dress, with eateries, a market and children’s activities. Kids under 12 go free. For more information check the Brunch Electronik website.
Psycho Film Showing 21h (Auditori del Forum)
Dressing up for the theatre takes on a whole new meaning with this classy Halloween option. Whether you go “Psycho” style or not, you’ll certainly enjoy watching Alfred Hitchcock’s film masterpiece, Psycho with Bernard Herrmann’s score played live by the Orquestra Simfònica del Vallès (Original Version with subtitles). Tickets (28€) on Atrapalo.
Halloween Electropikal Fever Party 21h (BARTS Club)
If hot tropical beats are more your thing, dress freaky and get down to Sala BARTS club on Parallel, where a huge lineup of Djs will be shaking up the dead with latin bass from 21h. Add yourself to the facebook list for free entrance before 23h in costume.
Halloween Boat Party 22h-00h (Port Olimpic)
If you want somewhere to wear that sexy sailor or zombie pirate costume, the Halloween Boat Party will set sail under the spooky Halloween moon from 22h. With a Dj onboard and unlimited beer and sangria during this 2 hour Halloween party sail, you can celebrate in a truly original Barcelona fashion. Tickets 40€ (includes guestlist to beach clubs later on).
Halloween Death Camp 21h (Freedonia)
For fans of alternative electro, Freedonia’s (free) Halloween Death Camp party promises a ghoulish mash up of 80’s synthpop, cosmica and post disco. Check out the facebook event for more info and their weird and wonderful music playlist. Don’t miss out this Halloween in Barcelona!
