A tradition observed in the Basque Country long before Halloween existed
On October 31, throughout the Basque Country, Gau Beltza (Black Night) or Arimen Gaua (Night of Souls) is celebrated — a night where mystery, magic, and fear take center stage.
Many people believe that Halloween is a holiday imported from the United States, foreign to our traditions. However, that’s not the case: for centuries these celebrations have been deeply rooted in the Basque Country, though they faded over the last few decades and are now regaining strength.
In the past, the Night of Souls marked the arrival of winter and served to remember ancestors. According to ancient beliefs, on that night the worlds of the living and the dead would meet.
Children would dress up in sheets and old clothes and carry hollowed-out pumpkins with a candle inside. With them, they illuminated the night, frightened passersby, and at the same time guided the souls of the departed with their small light.
Many people believe that Halloween is a holiday imported from the United States, foreign to our traditions. However, that’s not the case: for centuries these celebrations have been deeply rooted in the Basque Country, though they faded over the last few decades and are now regaining strength.
In the past, the Night of Souls marked the arrival of winter and served to remember ancestors. According to ancient beliefs, on that night the worlds of the living and the dead would meet.
Children would dress up in sheets and old clothes and carry hollowed-out pumpkins with a candle inside. With them, they illuminated the night, frightened passersby, and at the same time guided the souls of the departed with their small light.
In San Sebastian, for example, neighbourhood associations and cultural groups organise costume parades, storytelling sessions, pumpkin-carving workshops, street entertainment, music and dance performances.
Today, the Night of Souls is a very special occasion to come together, revive our oral traditions and welcome winter. By the glow of pumpkins and to the sound of traditional songs, children and young people rediscover the richness of our culture, bringing together darkness and light, past and present.
Today, the Night of Souls is a very special occasion to come together, revive our oral traditions and welcome winter. By the glow of pumpkins and to the sound of traditional songs, children and young people rediscover the richness of our culture, bringing together darkness and light, past and present.
