Many holidays in Spain are a wonderful blend of religious and commercial elements. They somehow seem to have a more heartfelt, family focus than is evident in similar celebrations elsewhere in the world.
Halloween is a prime example of this. In the UK, Halloween has become a mainly commercial event, celebrated as much by costume- and sweet-makers as by sugar-crazed children out trick or treating. Over in Spain, however, the event has an altogether more family-focused and respectful vibe.
“Halloween in Spain is celebrated across three days, from 31st October to 2nd November: Dia de las Brujas (Day of the Witches), Dia de Todos los Santos (All Saints Day) and Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). It’s a time to remember and honour departed loved ones and to enjoy the chance to spend time with close family and friends. There are commercial elements to it, but those are far from the main focus.”
Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España
The main day of the celebration is 1st November. A national holiday, Dia de Todos los Santos sees families across Spain take the time to decorate the graves of their loved ones with flowers. It is a day for cherishing memories of the departed, as well as spending time with the living. There is still a commercial edge to it, with traditional sweets such as wind fritters, saints’ bones and panellets on sale, while many markets also participate by ‘disguising’ their wares.
Halloween is a time when regional variety in Spain is truly joyous. From residents covering the locks of their homes with porridge (to keep bad spirits out) to plays that honour those convicted of witchcraft during the Inquisition, local celebrations abound.
One tradition that many regions enjoy together is that of feasting on chestnuts. As 1st November is seen by many as marking the start of harvest in Spain, there are strong links between Dia de Todos los Santos and feasting. In Maro in Malaga, for example, ‘Maroween’ is a gastronomic feast packed with chestnut and sweet potato treats, as well as witches and ghoulish costumes.
According to leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España, it is discovering local customs and events such as this that make second home ownership in Spain such a joy.
“One of the many wonderful things about buying a holiday home in Spain is the fact that owners can visit year-round and for as long as they wish. This means that time spent in Spain allows them to develop a deeper connection with the country – one that takes in local events and traditions that those who just visit for two weeks in the summer never uncover.”
Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España
Those keen to discover Spain’s secrets can begin to do so swiftly, thanks to Taylor Wimpey España’s collection of key-ready homes. In the Costa Blanca, La Vila Paradis is a collection of frontline apartments and townhouses with beautiful communal gardens, swimming pools and direct access to Paraíso beach de Villajoyosa. The last apartment in the development is priced at €299,000 plus VAT, including furnishings.
Key-ready homes are also available at Panorama Mar, at Punta Prima, Torrevieja. Just an hour from Alicante Airport, the seafront apartments provide spectacular views over the beach and sea. The gated development boasts three communal pools, including an infinity pool and a hydro-massage pool. There’s also a paddling pool and playground for smaller children.
“Autumn is a good time of year to buy a home in Spain. With the summer holidays behind us, autumn is a time for considered purchase decisions. Right now, the falling Euribor rate spells out good news for anyone interested in taking out a Spanish mortgage, as does the competition between banks over the mortgage products they offer.”
Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España
Autumn is also a good time of year to consider how a property looks and feels now that the endless days of summer have passed. It doesn’t rain as much in Spain as it does in the UK, nor get as cold, but there are periods of poor weather. Those who can see a holiday home’s charms even when the weather is cold and blustery know that they’re onto a good thing. Having said that, looking for a property in Alicante in October is on guarantee of finding out what it’s like in poor weather – this month has seen beaches packed as daytime temperatures reached 30°C, with night-time temperatures barely dipping below 20°C!
For more information please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit https://www.taylorwimpeyspain.
