In recent years, the American party Halloween has gained many followers in our territory and no wonder. A party that mixes costumes, fear and fun as we are not going to like it, but here we also have a party that many of us are reluctant to abandon. It is about the Masgosto. Eating chestnuts, panellets and sweet potato on the night of October 31. But do we know what the origin of these two parties is?
Where does the Masgosto come from?
It is a tradition from the north of Spain. Territories such as Galicia, Cantabria, Asturias, León, Azmora, Salamanca and Cáceres. Formerly it was celebrated for the harvesting of the chestnut crop. In Catalonia, this tradition is called Castañada and it is combined with a sweet typical of these cold days, panellets. That recipe that is made with almonds, sugar and other ingredients such as chocolate or coconut.
But it is not only celebrated in Spain. Close to us they celebrate the so-called Magusto, a celebration in Portugal where a bonfire is prepared to roast the chestnuts. The "chestnut party" is also celebrated internationally.
This celebration spans several days from the night of October 31 and November 1 to November 11. During this period chestnuts are usually bought and cooked at home. It is also common to buy chestnuts on the street, although at the moment there are not so many stalls to buy them ready-made.
In addition to chestnuts, sweet potatoes are also usually eaten, that orange sweet potato that combines perfectly with these days when it is already starting to get a little cold. Other delicacies these days are figs, walnuts, quince, pomegranate, pumpkin pie, cider and saint's bones. All of them combined make these days the best of the year.
Where does Halloween come from?
Known as the Night of the Dead or the Night of the Saints, it is celebrated every October 31, the eve before the All Saints Day party. Initially it was a tradition of English-speaking countries, such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom or Ireland, but in recent years, this tradition has expanded worldwide.
It is not very well known where this tradition comes from, but it is believed that it has been influenced by the customs and popular beliefs of the Celtic countries, especially the Gaelic festival Samhain. Samhain was considered the "Celtic New Year" that began with the "dark" season, as it was the end of summer.
Nowadays, the tradition has changed a lot. On the night of October 31, the smallest members of the house go out to ask for candy dressed as their favorite characters. In addition to candy, it is also often combined with carved pumpkins (Jack-o'-lantens), bonfires, fortune-telling games, pranks, and watching scary movies. Without a doubt a wonderful tradition that we all like.
Whatever tradition you are, celebrate them and enjoy them.
Andrea Llorens