Día de Todos los Santos on the Costa del Sol
Honouring Traditions & Making Space at Home
As October draws to a close, the Costa del Sol lights up with costumes, carved pumpkins, and festive fun. Halloween has become increasingly popular here, especially among expat families and younger generations. (You can read more about that in our Halloween traditions on the Costa del Sol blog).
But once the trick-or-treating is over, Spain embraces something much deeper and more traditional: Día de Todos los Santos (All Saints’ Day) on 1 November, followed by influences from the Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).
These festivals are about family, memory, and respect — and they bring a different kind of beauty to autumn in Andalucía.
All Saints’ Day in Spain
Día de Todos los Santos is a public holiday across Spain. On this day, families come together to honour loved ones who have passed away. Cemeteries are filled with flowers — especially chrysanthemums and marigolds — and lit with candles that glow into the evening.
It’s a moment of reflection and remembrance, but also of community. Many families share food and sweets, including the famous “huesos de santo” (marzipan treats shaped like little bones), which you’ll find in local bakeries all along the Costa del Sol.
The Influence of Día de los Muertos
While Día de los Muertos has its origins in Mexico, its vibrant traditions are increasingly visible in Spain, especially in cosmopolitan regions like the Costa del Sol. Colourful sugar skulls, painted faces, altars decorated with flowers, and community events inspired by Mexican culture add an extra dimension to the season.
For expats and visitors, this cultural blend creates a lively mix — where traditional Spanish remembrance and modern, international influences meet.
Celebrations on the Costa del Sol
From Málaga to Marbella, Estepona to Fuengirola, you’ll find events, markets, and gatherings marking both Halloween and All Saints’ Day. Local cemeteries are busy with families paying their respects, while town centres may host parades or themed evenings.
It’s a time that beautifully reflects the diversity of the Costa del Sol: locals preserving cherished traditions, while expat communities bring their own flavour to the season.
Making Space for the Living
As these festivities come to an end, many people are left with seasonal decorations, costumes, or keepsakes they only use once a year. This is where Bishop’s Move Spain can help.
Our secure, flexible storage solutions mean you can keep your home free from clutter while protecting the things you love. Whether it’s boxes of Halloween decorations, Día de los Muertos altars, or simply extra household items you no longer want taking up space, we’ll keep them safe until you need them again.
And if you’re an expat planning a move before the busy winter season, our professional moving and relocation services are here to make the process stress-free.
From spooky fun to solemn remembrance, the end of October and start of November is a special time on the Costa del Sol. It’s a season that celebrates both the past and the present — a reminder to make space for what matters most.
At Bishop’s Move Spain, we’re here to help you do just that. Make space for the living, and let us take care of the rest.