Tots Sants vs Halloween in Ibiza. From the pinnaons' trencada to the American tradition?

The tradition in Ibiza went through a great family dinner in which nuts and seasonal fruit were not lacking. In addition, the deceased were invited to the dinner and the young people asked from house to house for their souls

Halloween over here, Halloween over there ... For some years the popular pagan festival has been celebrated anywhere in the world and, in Ibiza, we will not be less. This year, dozens of Halloween parties that will take place on the island and, fortunately, many of them are still linked to our authentic tradition: the 'Day of Tots Sants'.

And we do not have to forget that we have our party, with its own history and its customs. It is undeniable that the disguise is an enormous attraction, especially for children, but both traditions need not be incompatible.

Halloween is one of the most anticipated nights of the year in most Anglo-Saxon countries and if there is someone who celebrates it in style, it's the Americans. However, this festival has its origin in the ancient Celtic festival known as 'Samhain' (end of summer). That day the Irish celebrated the last day of the harvest season and welcomed the new Celtic year.

Day of Tots Sants and 'Trencada de fruits secs'

But, we are going to what interests us: the Ibizan tradition that, as it could not be otherwise, is linked to gastronomy. The 1 in November celebrated the 'Day of Tots Sants', a tribute to those who are no longer among us. On the night of the 31 in October, the families gathered around the table to enjoy a copious dinner called 'sa trencada'. During the evening he used to eat fried porcella (pork), dried fruit, seasonal fruit such as pomegranate, donuts dipped in peasant wine and sweet wine and, in those houses that could afford it, panellets.

The candied fruit was also very important during the celebration. According to tradition, the 'godparents' gave it to their godchildren.

Apparently, the families themselves went to the forest to collect the nuts and pine nuts with which they carried out the 'trencada' and made the panellets, of Catalan origin. Everyone gathered at the table and broke them to get the fruit, hence the word 'trencada' (trencar = romper).

By the way, in Ibiza he also went from house to house, although not to participate in the famous 'Trick or treat'. In our case, young people got a carrycot and asked for something for souls.

Everything ready for a dinner for the deceased

Before going to bed, the Ibicencos left the table set up so that the deceased could also enjoy the food.

An oil lamp remained lit on the table to facilitate the visit of the souls to the living ones from the midnight. The next day, the family gathered around the table again. On it they passed a rosary and, after that, they ate of what was left over.

That same day, they took advantage of the opportunity to visit the tomb of the deceased, clean them and bring them flowers. This last act is the one that is currently maintained since the elaboration of 'panellets' has been relegated almost to 100% to pastry shops.

What is trying to recover is the traditional 'trencada de fruits secs', which is included in most party programs in some villages of Ibiza.