The Fiesta De Los Finaos: Halloween Party In The Canary Islands.
If you're looking for an original destination to celebrate Halloween in the sun, fly to the Canary Islands! This Atlantic archipelago, located off the coast of Morocco, enjoys exceptional sunshine and a mild climate, even at the end of October. The inhabitants perpetuate traditions for the Day of the Dead, known as Fiesta de los Difuntos or Fiesta de los Finaos. We will explain why and how to celebrate October 31st in the Canary Islands.
Why celebrate Halloween in the Canary Islands?
When looking for the best destination to celebrate Halloween abroad, people generally think of New York, Dublin or New Orleans... But have you ever thought about celebrating on October 31st in the sun? In the Canary Islands, this celebration takes on a whole new dimension thanks to local traditions and the legendary mild climate.
This Atlantic archipelago enjoys mild temperatures in October and November, which has earned it the nickname of the "eternal spring archipelago". With around 3000 hours of sunshine per year, these eight islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean are the sunniest destination in Europe.
Highly sought-after destinations during the summer for their paradise beaches and ancient forests, the islands of La Palma, Tenerife or Lanzarote invite you to experience a unique Day of the Dead celebration that is out of the ordinary.
What are the traditions of the Day of the Dead in the Canary Islands?
In the Canary Islands, the Day of the Dead is known as "Fiesta de los Difuntos" or "Fiesta de los Finaos". This cultural and religious tradition holds special importance for the inhabitants. This festival dedicated to family and the memory of ancestors is a moment of reflection and connection with their family history.
During the Fiesta de los Difuntos, Canarians celebrate the deceased through offerings and visits to graves. On this occasion, cemeteries transform into a sea of lights, and all the candles placed there create an atmosphere of solemn and peaceful remembrance. In some regions of the archipelago, religious processions are organized with religious icons and priests leading prayers and celebrations.
In the past, children would go from house to house asking for "saints" and receive almonds, walnuts, dried figs, or chestnuts. They would then return home to celebrate the dead by listening to the oldest woman in the family, who would tell stories and anecdotes while sharing the loot. The festival usually ended with a dance in the street and a meal of hot chestnuts.
Today, under the influence of Halloween, houses, shop windows, parks, and gardens are decorated with scary motifs. The inhabitants participate in parades of zombies and lost souls in all sorts of costumes but continue an older tradition: the "egg war" to scare away wandering spirits.
What to do for Halloween in the Canary Islands?
In the Canary Islands, the celebrations of Fiesta de los Finaos begin in the days leading up to October 31st. Families sing and prepare food for their ancestors and the deceased.
On October 31st, you can embark on a four-hour excursion aboard a haunted boat. This cruise, departing from Costa Adeje, combines a supernatural atmosphere with a spooky crew, and the observation of whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. And if you prefer to stay on land, know that the municipality of El Sauzal in Tenerife offers a special Halloween hike on Mount Ravelo.
The traditional Llanoween, celebrated on the island of La Palma, in the municipality of Los Llanos de Aridane, is a festival for children. This event, held in Plaza de España, brings together zombies, pirates, skeletons, stilt walkers, makeup artists, and jugglers for the delight (or fright) of the little ones.
On Halloween night itself, themed parties are offered in bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. You can watch outdoor horror films, visit haunted houses, or attend costume parades such as the Gran Canaria parade, which starts from San Telmo Park in Las Palmas. At Playa de las Burras, don't miss the concerts featuring ghosts, vampires, and witches!
