The streets of Barcelona are beginning to smell of firewood and roasted chestnuts, but amid the smoke from the traditional stalls, the shadows of witches, vampires, and pocket-sized ghosts have long since crept in. The legendary “trick-or-treat” that we’ve seen so many times on the big screen is now part of the fall landscape in our neighborhoods. Whether by reviving local traditions like “plora o paga” and “crit o confit,” or embracing the more American-style celebration, the city has everything ready to make your time with panellets as sweet as possible.
Between October 22 and 31, the streets will become the perfect setting for the city’s children to go out hunting for candy. Sant Gervasi, Poblenou, Barceloneta, Les Corts, and Gràcia have organized various free activities and routes through their local shops, where the only “currency” needed is to wear a great costume, be accompanied by an adult, and be eager to explore the neighborhood.
Face painting and neighborhood tour in Sant Gervasi
The first stop on this spooky tour takes us to the Centre Cívic l’Elèctric. On October 27, starting at 5:00 p.m., the little ones can get their faces painted and slip into their terrifying costumes before setting off on a door-to-door tour. To the classic cry of the night, they’ll go collecting candy throughout the neighborhood. The activity is free, but advance registration is required, and each child must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
A Full Afternoon in Barceloneta
The seaside neighborhood has decided to blend the best of both worlds on October 27 itself. The afternoon will kick off at 5:00 p.m. with a traditional public chestnut roast, perfect for building up your strength. Half an hour later, at 5:30 p.m., the square will host a family-friendly show combining magic, clowns, and music. The highlight for those with a sweet tooth will come at 7:00 p.m., when the much-anticipated free tour of the neighborhood’s shops begins—a chance to go trick-or-treating.
Orange and black balloons in Poblenou
The Poblenou shopping district is hosting a scavenger hunt on the afternoon of Friday, October 30. Between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., children who come to Plaça Rosa Peraulet—the event’s meeting point—will be on a mission to explore the neighborhood’s storefronts and shops in search of orange and black balloons. Only at these marked stores will they be able to take home their prized treats completely free of charge.
Surprises at the shops in Les Corts
That same Friday, October 30, Les Corts won’t be left behind. Starting at 5:00 p.m., the Espai del Mirall in Pedralbes will kick off its own Halloween party. Children in costumes can stroll through all the neighborhood’s participating stores and shops, where candy and other little surprises will be waiting for them.
A Grand Farewell in Gràcia
To wrap up the program, the Gràcia neighborhood has saved its activities for October 31 itself. Early-rising residents can start their trick-or-treating route at 11:30 a.m. by strolling through the establishments participating in the campaign. In the afternoon, starting at 5:30 p.m., the party will continue with a terrifying photo op so everyone can take home a photo souvenir of their costumes.
