All Souls’ Night in Radiquero. Tradition and mystery in the Sierra de Guara
Experience the Night of Souls at Radiquero
Tradition and mystery in the heart of the Sierra de Guara
When the sun sets behind the Sevil mountain range and the air of Somontano begins to smell of wood and autumn, the villages of the Sierra are transformed. The stone streets darken, carved pumpkins are lit with small flames that flicker like fireflies, and silence spreads among the houses. It is All Saints’ Eve, and the village prepares for an ancient night, full of emotion, memory and symbolism: the Night of Souls.
From the Hostería de Guara, located in the heart of this magical setting, we invite you to enjoy this unique experience, where tradition blends with nature, community and mystery. It is not just another festival. It is an experience that connects us with our roots and with the deepest soul of the villages of the Sierra de Guara.
Radiquero is a village with barely a hundred inhabitants, belonging to the municipality of Alquézar, in the Somontano de Barbastro region. It is surrounded by vineyards, ravines and olive groves.
For centuries, the people of Aragon remembered the souls of the deceased —the ánimas— at this time of year with candles, prayers and small domestic rituals. With modernity, many of these customs were lost, until towns such as Radiquero decided to revive them. Today, thanks to the efforts of its residents and the O’Coronazo Cultural Association, the Night of the Souls is an unmissable event and has been recognised as a Festival of Tourist Interest in Aragon.
A night that is not Halloween
Let’s make one thing clear from the outset: Halloween is not celebrated in Radiquero. There are no monster costumes or plastic pumpkins here. This is a night of respect, reflection, and community. A night when neighbors gather to pay tribute to their ancestors and pass on, from generation to generation, the stories and beliefs that form part of the identity of the Somontano region.
Instead of masks, the inhabitants cover themselves with dark blankets or cloaks. Instead of loud music, you can hear the murmur of footsteps and the crackling of candles. And instead of scares, there is excitement: a sweet thrill that runs through those who walk among the shadows, knowing that they are participating in a ritual that unites the living and the dead.
Two figures take center stage on Radiquero’s Night of Souls: the almetas and the totones.
Almetas are souls in torment, spirits that still wander between this world and the next. They are represented by people dressed in white, carrying two lit candles and slowly walking through the streets.
The totones, on the other hand, are the companions of the almetas: they are dressed in dark clothing and carry a single candle. Their mission is to guide and protect them, ensuring that they find their way to the afterlife.
These figures, which might seem like legends, are deeply rooted in Aragonese tradition. In the past, in many homes in Highlands of Aragon, a candle was lit for each deceased member of the family, and bread or wine was left on the table in case “the souls came” to visit their former home. Radiquero has managed to rescue this essence and transform it into a collective experience, open to all who wish to participate with respect and curiosity.
How the Night of the Souls is celebrated in Radiquero
The program of activities may vary slightly each year, but the main structure remains the same. From the Hostería de Guara, we usually recommend arriving in the village in the afternoon to enjoy the atmosphere from the very beginning.
- Pumpkin workshops and preparations
In the afternoon, neighbors organize workshops where children and adults hollow out pumpkins, carve faces into them, and place candles inside. This is not meant to imitate Halloween, but rather to revive the ancient custom of lighting the paths so that souls do not get lost. - Chocolate and cake for everyone
Before nightfall, hot chocolate and cake are handed out, symbols of togetherness and human warmth. It’s the perfect time to chat with neighbors and learn about the stories surrounding the festival. - Stories and legends
Often, the “grandmothers of the village” or local storytellers share legends from Somontano: superstitions, mysteries, and tales revolving around spirits. These stories, told by the light of the fire, are one of the most moving moments of the day. - Lighting pumpkins
When dusk falls on Radiquero, the electric lights go out and the village fills with points of light. Hundreds of carved pumpkins illuminate the streets, balconies, and windows, creating a magical atmosphere. - The procession to the cemetery
Silently, neighbors and visitors form a procession led by the almetas and totones. Only the sound of footsteps and the wind can be heard. Candles light the way to the village cemetery, where a brief symbolic ceremony is held. There is no fear, only respect and a sense of connection with the eternal. - Return and encounter
After the procession, the community gathers once again. Sometimes there is traditional music, wine from Somontano, or a final storytelling session in the church. It is a time to share impressions and feel that everyone—the living and the dead, neighbors and strangers—is part of something common.
Beyond its visual charm, Radiquero’s Night of Souls carries a powerful message. It reminds us that death is not the end, but part of the cycle of life; that remembering those who have passed away is a way of keeping them present; and that small towns hold ancestral wisdom that deserves to be preserved.
This celebration combines three fundamental elements: light, silence, and community. The light from the pumpkins represents memory; silence represents respect; and community represents unity in the face of oblivion.
In a fast-paced world where many traditions are lost or diluted, Radiquero has achieved the opposite: strengthening its identity and sharing it with those who seek authentic experiences.
From the Hosteria de Guara, we offer several tips for enjoying the experience:
- Arrive early. Radiquero is a small town, and the event attracts many visitors. We recommend parking early and enjoying the atmosphere beforehand.
- Respect the silence. During the procession, avoid talking or using flashlights. The atmosphere of contemplation is an essential part of the experience.
- Do not come in disguise. This is not a celebration of horror, but of tradition and memory.
- Wrap up warm. Autumn nights in the mountains can be cold.
- Bring a candle or lantern. Many visitors participate by carrying their own light during the tour.
- Enjoy the local gastronomy. Somontano wine, artisan cheese, and traditional stews are the perfect accompaniment to this day out.
What to do on All Souls' Night?
Ideas for your November 1st long weekend getaway
The Night of the Souls is just the highlight of a trip that can last several days. From the Hostería de Guara, we suggest some plans to make the most of your visit to Somontano:
- Discover Alquézar
Just a few minutes from La Hosteria de Guara, the medieval village of Alquézar is a jewel of Aragonese heritage. Its historic center, views over the Vero River, and the Collegiate Church of Santa María make it an essential destination. Strolling through its cobbled streets at sunset is a magical experience, especially in autumn.
- Explore the Sierra y los Cañones de Guara Natural Park
Ideal for nature lovers and hikers. From the inn, you can access numerous marked trails that wind through ravines, pools, and spectacular viewpoints. The Mascún ravine, the Vero walkways, and the Sevil viewpoint trail are just a few options.
- Visit the Somontano wineries
The region is famous for its wines. You can visit one of the Somontano wineries, enjoy a tasting, and discover the aromas that characterize this land.
The Alodia winery is located between Bierge and Radiquero, making it the perfect place for a family visit to learn about native grape varieties and taste their wines.
- Seasonal cuisine
At Hostería de Guara, we love working with local products. During these autumn days, the menu usually includes dishes with mushrooms, game, truffles, and wine. If you stay with us, you can enjoy a special dinner in a family atmosphere.
- Rutas culturales
In addition to Radiquero and Alquézar, we recommend visiting Adahuesca with its center of stories and legends, Bierge with its linear Gothic paintings, and Colungo, villages that preserve traditional architecture and authentic charm. In Colungo, you can visit the Rock Art Center, which will transport you to the prehistoric origins of the Sierra de Guara.
Hostería de Guara hotel
Your refuge in the foothills of the Pyrenees in Huesca.
At Hostería de Guara, we believe that rural tourism is much more than just sleeping away from home: it’s about enjoying experiences, meeting people, and connecting with the environment. That’s why we provide our guests with information on walking and driving routes to discover the surrounding area, local dining recommendations, and places of interest to visit. Hostería de Guara is a peaceful place to rest after a day of activities or visits to the Sierra de Guara.
An invitation to light and memory
The Night of the Souls is not just a celebration: it is a journey to the essential. An opportunity to pause, listen, look, remember. To feel once again that community and tradition still have a place in our time.
In Radiquero, the fire in the pumpkins is not meant to scare, but to illuminate. And every year, when the almetas and totones parade through the streets, we feel that the entire town breathes in time with the past and the present.
From the Hostería de Guara, we invite you to be part of this experience. Come and experience the Night of Souls, walk among lights and shadows, and listen to the stories that only the silence of Somontano can tell.
We await you with open arms, a cozy room, a glass of wine, and the promise of a night you will never forget.
