Galicia: The Forgotten Birthplace of Modern Halloween

While many associate Halloween with American traditions and Celtic roots in Ireland and Scotland, Galicia, a mystical region in northwest Spain, offers a compelling claim as the cradle of modern Halloween. With its foggy forests, ancient rituals, and deep Celtic heritage, Galicia’s cultural tapestry weaves a story that eerily mirrors the spooky celebration we know today.

A Celtic Legacy in Spanish Soil

Galicia’s connection to the Celts is not just folklore—it’s embedded in its music, language, and festivals. The region was once home to Celtic tribes, and their influence remains strong. One of the most striking remnants is Samhain, the ancient Celtic festival marking the end of harvest and the beginning of winter. Samhain was believed to be a time when the veil between the living and the dead was thinnest—a concept central to Halloween.

In Galicia, echoes of Samhain survive in local customs like Magosto, a chestnut-roasting festival held in late October and early November. Traditionally, Magosto includes bonfires, costumes, and storytelling—eerily similar to Halloween’s modern-day festivities.