Seville, a city steeped in tradition, becomes a special destination during the celebration of All Saints’ Day and Halloween. This time of year, which mixes the sacred and the profane, is perfect to enjoy a different Seville, where centuries-old customs intertwine with the more modern influences of Halloween. This fusion of the modern and the traditional creates many unique celebrations and activities for the holiday.
Because of this and because it still has good weather, Seville has become an ideal destination to visit at this time of year. On our website, you can consult holiday rental houses available for you to stay.
Here is an extensive list of things to do in Seville during these special days.
A city between the traditional and the modern
Seville, with its still mild temperatures in late October and early November, is an ideal place to discover in autumn. At this time of year, shop windows are filled with pumpkins, cobwebs and Halloween decorations, while the traditional local bakeries proudly display their most emblematic sweets: “huesos de santo” and “buñuelos de viento”.
The contrast between the two celebrations reflects Seville’s ability to embrace foreign influences without losing its cultural identity. In recent years, Halloween has gained ground in Spain, and Seville is no exception. However, All Saints’ Day remains the most deeply rooted holiday in the city. Visitors and locals alike can enjoy the best of both worlds in a unique combination of the modern and the traditional.
Savouring the “Huesos de Santo”
One of the most eagerly awaited culinary delights on All Saints’ Day in Seville are the huesos de santo, marzipan sweets whose shape and colour are reminiscent of small bones. These delicacies are typical throughout Spain, but in Seville confectioners prepare them following recipes handed down from generation to generation. The filling varies, but the most classic versions include egg yolk, although they can also be made with chocolate, angel hair or yoghurt.
If you visit the city at this time of year, you can’t miss these sweets in traditional confectioneries such as “La Campana”, one of the oldest and most famous in Seville.
Autumn walk and roasted chestnuts
Although Seville is known for its hot weather, during autumn the temperatures mellow and the air fills with the unmistakable aroma of roasting chestnuts. Street vendors appear on busy street corners, offering cones of chestnuts that are perfect for enjoying during a stroll through the parks or the streets of the centre.
An ideal stroll can start in María Luisa Park, one of the city’s green lungs, or get lost in the labyrinth of streets in the Barrio de Santa Cruz. Seville is transformed in autumn, and walking through its cobbled streets while tasting hot chestnuts is an unforgettable experience.
Visit the cemetery of San Fernando
For those interested in a more spiritual experience, a visit to the San Fernando Cemetery is an important tradition during All Saints’ Day. Sevillian families flock to this cemetery to honour the memory of their deceased loved ones, adorning the graves with flowers, especially chrysanthemums, as a symbol of respect and remembrance.
In addition to its emotional significance, the San Fernando Cemetery is a place that stands out for its architecture and funerary art. Here, you can find impressive mausoleums and statues representing some of the most important personalities in Sevillian history, such as famous bullfighters. The atmosphere is solemn but charged with beauty and tradition, and for visitors, it is an opportunity to reflect and learn more about Sevillian culture.
Performance of Don Juan Tenorio
Don Juan Tenorio is a character deeply linked to Spanish culture, and Seville celebrates him every year in a series of theatrical performances that take place in the San Fernando Cemetery itself. This classic play by José Zorrilla, which deals with themes of love, death and redemption, has become an essential part of the All Saints’ Day festivities in Seville. Watching a performance of Don Juan Tenorio in this setting is a unique experience that transcends the merely literary, connecting the spectator with the essence of Sevillian culture.
The Night of the Tenorio
Another tradition that cannot be missed is “La Noche del Tenorio”, an event that takes place in the Santa Cruz neighbourhood, one of the most emblematic of Seville. Every 31 October, the Tuna de Filosofía y Letras de Sevilla takes to the cobbled streets of the neighbourhood, singing songs and acting out scenes from Don Juan Tenorio. This open-air show, accompanied by music and the streets lit by lanterns, creates a magical atmosphere that captivates locals and tourists alike.
Enjoy Halloween at Isla Mágica
For those who prefer a more modern and terrifying touch, Isla Mágica, Seville’s theme park, offers an unforgettable Halloween experience. Throughout the month of October, the park is transformed into a stage full of terrifying creatures, terror passages and themed shows. Both adults and children can enjoy the spooky decorations, live shows and attractions that Isla Mágica prepares especially for this date.
This event is ideal for families, as the park offers activities for all ages, although there are some shows designed exclusively for the bravest. Halloween at Isla Mágica has become one of the most eagerly awaited autumn celebrations in Seville.
Workshops and activities for children
With families in mind, during these days there are numerous workshops and activities aimed at children. From Halloween-related crafts to storytelling about Sevillian legends, these activities are perfect for children to have fun while learning about local culture. Museums, cultural centres and bookshops usually offer a special programme for these dates.
Excursions to charming villages
As well as enjoying Seville, All Saints’ Day is also an ideal time to take a trip to some of the charming nearby villages. Places like Carmona, Osuna and Écija offer a perfect combination of history, culture and natural beauty. Their cobbled streets and historic monuments are dressed in autumnal colours, and the tranquillity that pervades these places makes them ideal destinations for a day trip.
With this wide range of activities, Seville presents itself as an ideal destination to celebrate All Saints’ Day and Halloween, combining centuries-old traditions with modern and cultural proposals.
