Chestnuts, witches and pumpkins: plans with children for this week

One of the most awaited dates of the year is here: the Castanyada and now also Halloween. That is why the activities for these days revolve around the theme of chestnuts, scary stories, and pumpkins. As always, we have prepared a selection of plans for you to do with your children on October 30th, 31st, and November 1st, such as getting scared at the Espantanens parade in Puigcerdà, eating chestnuts and panellets at the Operació Castaween at Món Sant Benet, and seeing giant pumpkins at the Calaf Pumpkin Fair.

We also propose a review of current events through the Think about it section and we offer you the data and statements that have caught our attention the most.

Cultural and leisure activities

This October, the Museu de Lleida has inaugurated the exhibition Instruments of the soul today in Lleida, an exhibition of five artistic projects created from dialogue with religious communities in the city. One of the exhibition's activities has been to create the Altar of the Dead, one of Mexico's most emblematic traditions at this time of year. A composition of flowers, colors, and symbols that allows us to remember loved ones who are no longer with us.

If you are interested in talking about death at home and how it is experienced in other cultures, this exhibition can be very helpful. The participatory installation of the Altar of the Dead can be visited from October 27 to November 3.

In the Baix Camp there is a village that hides stories and mysteries: Pratdip. On October 31st and November 1st, its streets are filled with mythological beings, fire, music, and legends. The Pratdip Legendary Festival is an annual event that transforms the village into an enchanted fairytale setting. There you will find historical reenactments, music and theater shows, family activities, children's workshops, craft markets, traditional games, gastronomy, and much more.

One of the novelties this year is the Dip's Hunt and the House of Fear, an experience and an immersive space that will invite you to discover the darkest universe of Pratdip. And for the little ones and the most timid, do not miss Wolf Skin, a show performed by children from the village where adventures in the woods mix with the power of the ancient legends of the dips, black and demonic wolf-dogs that live in the mountains of the Llaberia range.

At Món Sant Benet you have a terrifyingly sweet family activity. On this occasion, young and old will play a scavenger hunt to find the recipe that will allow you to cook your panellets.

The Old Chestnut Seller of the Enchanted Sage, who lived in the monastery woods, was not evil at all; she helped people with herbal brews, roasted chestnuts that protected against evil spirits, and baked some delicious panellets! In her magic recipe book, she encrypted all the ingredients necessary for this sweet so typical of All Saints' Day. Together you will recover the formula and then you will be able to prepare some terrifying panellets. Activity recommended for children from 3 to 10 years old. Weekends and holidays until November 14th.

In Cerdanya there are also terrifying traditions like the "Espantanens" (bogeymen) during the Night of Souls in Puigcerdà. On the evening of October 31st, there is a parade of typical European folklore characters used to scare children. A procession with scares and candies included that runs through the city streets. A fun proposal that makes both adults and children tremble and laugh in equal parts.

The activity is organized by the Cerdanya Research Group, which has already recovered 13 historical bogeymen directly related to the region and nearby surroundings, such as the "Rosegacebes" (from Vilar d’Urtx), the "Nit" (from Meranges), the "Papassa" (from Urús and Bellver), and the "Fou" (from Bor).

If going to La Cerdanya is too far for you, don't worry, in Barcelona you have a 100% Halloween proposal. These days, Poble Espanyol has dressed up for the occasion and offers a scary setting. For the family audience, however, it has adapted a special schedule and during the day it offers laughter, emotions, and the occasional unexpected scare.

You will find a route through enchanted corners full of mysteries, legends, and enigmas. In addition, there will be workshops and activities for all ages, and for the most daring, a tunnel of terror. The price is 12.50 euros and you can go in costume.

Going to the theatre can always be a good option for those who are not yet fans of strong emotions. This weekend you have many proposals of witches, monsters and scares; the one we liked the most is precisely the proposal from SAT! Sant Andreu Teatre, which these days has on the bill Joan without fear and the haunted house. It is a musical show by La Roda Produccions, a company with more than 25 years of history and highly awarded.

The Martin family is worried because their son, Joan, does not know what fear is. So that he can face it directly, the family hires an adventure agency that will organize a fantastic weekend in a haunted house for them. You will see ghosts, monsters, curses but with a touch of humor! A production that combines music, dance and fun, and is designed for children from 4 years old.

A slightly quieter proposal can be found at the Museum of the History of Catalonia, which every year on October 31st offers a special storytelling session as part of its family program 'Pessics d'història'.

The 'Castanyada' hides fascinating tales and stories. In this activity, you will be able to listen to stories that were traditionally told at night and can now be enjoyed in broad daylight, and furthermore, in Catalan Sign Language. Activity recommended for ages 3 and up, and booking is required.

For those of you who want to become witches and wizards, head to the Witches' Fair in Sant Feliu Sasserra, in the Bages region. A unique cultural event to learn more about the witchcraft trials experienced in our land. Between the years 1616 and 1622, about four hundred women from all over Catalonia were accused and executed for being considered witches.

Sant Feliu Sasserra remembers them at this time of year. On the night of October 31st, the Fes-ta Bruixa is held, an event featuring a show and concert, and during the day on November 1st, a fair takes place. Throughout the day, you can find theatrical reenactments that explain the witch hunts that the towns experienced in the 17th century. Among the most prominent family events is the broom dance for apprentice witches and wizards. You can also visit the fair for artisan products, local commerce, and witches. And you can take the opportunity to enter the Witchcraft Interpretation Centre.

And if that hasn't been enough for you... on Sunday you can head to the Calaf Pumpkin Fair (Anoia). An unmissable event where this autumn vegetable is the protagonist. You will be able to enjoy a market of autumn products, gastronomy, and crafts.

In addition, families will find shows, workshops, and storytelling there. And don't miss the traditional giant pumpkin contest, which is always impressive.

With autumn, going to the cinema becomes more appealing. This Friday sees the release of Emilie and the Secret of the Storms, brought to you by the Catalan children's film distributor Rita & Luca Films. Emilie is an intrepid and sensitive eight-year-old girl who has just moved to the mountains with her family. She soon discovers that something strange is happening in the lush valley where she lives. During electrical storms, the village animals suffer inexplicable attacks and become ill. The film's protagonist investigates the phenomenon with Manon, her neighbor, to whom she confesses a secret ability: the storms emit music that only she can hear.

An enigmatic adventure recommended for ages 6 and up that awakens the senses and invites us to reconnect with the languages of nature and with what makes us special. It is also accompanied by four stories about diversity, acceptance, and empathy.

The recommendation

Gina Festafina is a new collection of board books designed to introduce our local traditions to children. In this first title, Gina experiences the Castanyada. Throughout its pages, we will accompany her to buy roasted chestnuts from the neighborhood chestnut seller and also to make very sweet panellets.

It is an ideal reading for different ages. For the little ones who are just beginning to take an interest in books, the vivid colors and flaps full of surprises will catch their attention. And for those who are starting to read, they will be able to practice with cursive script. Very soon you will find more holidays to celebrate with Gina Festafina.

To think about

The Guilty Ones is the debut film by Marta Duran Lozano, produced by Boogaloo Films and Guspira Films. A documentary film that seeks to break the silence and the taboo surrounding abortion in adolescence. After passing through several festivals, it can now be seen in commercial cinemas in Catalonia.

In 2020, the director dedicated her final degree project (TFG) to adolescent abortion, experienced firsthand. She put out a call for anonymous testimonies from women who had gone through an experience similar to hers. The response was so great and with so many connections that she decided to go further. In this documentary, we see stories of adolescents based on the collected anonymous testimonies. Shame, prejudice, taboos, “what people will say,” and guilt are feelings shared in silence among all its protagonists. This documentary is a unique opportunity to create spaces where one can talk about abortion at such a vulnerable moment as adolescence.

According to studies by youth health platforms such as the Youth Center for Contraception and Sexuality (CJAS), 20% of young people under 20 do not know that abortion is free, and 30% do not know that from the age of 16 they can freely choose to have an abortion. There is also still a lack of information about contraceptive methods; 60% believe they have not been explained all the methods.

She said

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