Halloween, Noche de Finaos, and All Saints’ Day in the Canary Islands: A Unique Blend of Tradition and Remembrance

October 31st and November 1st bring a fascinating mix of celebrations to the Canary Islands, where local tradition and modern festivity meet in a meaningful way. While Halloween has made its way to our shores with costumes, pumpkins, and spooky decor, here in the Canaries, we have our own twist – Noche de Finaos.

Noche de Finaos, celebrated on October 31st, is a deeply rooted tradition that was nearly forgotten but is now experiencing a vibrant revival across the islands. Families come together to honor loved ones who have passed, sharing stories of their finaos (a term for the departed), and enjoying treats like roasted chestnuts, nuts, and sweets, sometimes with a glass of local wine. It’s a beautiful way to reconnect with past generations and celebrate family and community warmth.

On November 1st, Spain observes All Saints' Day, a time for families to visit cemeteries, decorate graves with flowers, and reflect on the memory of their loved ones. In the Canaries, this day complements Noche de Finaos, creating a heartfelt balance between celebration and remembrance.

For those curious to see more about these unique celebrations, our blog post includes a photo of our nephew Manuel (one year old) joining a Halloween parade in Tías and a picture of our father’s grave lovingly adorned by our mother on this special day.

For further reading, explore these links:

• 600 Schoolchildren in Teguise Learn About Canarian Traditions
• Noche de Finaos in Femés 2024
• Noche de Finaos Events in the Canary Islands