Description
The Castanyada
Book Summary
A comic book that invites you to travel through time to discover the origins of the Castanyada. Accompanying Cesc and Vinyet, and guided by a wise owl, young readers will explore everything from Celtic offerings to the deceased to the tradition of gifting "panellets" to bell ringers for All Saints' Day. With illustrations by Cuchu, this work reveals the roots of one of Catalonia's most popular celebrations and its connection to Halloween, offering an educational and entertaining look at the history of this holiday so dear to us.
What is it about?
The book proposes a narrative journey through time to answer key questions about the Castanyada: since when it has been celebrated, why "panellets" are eaten, and what its relationship is to the All Saints' Day holiday. Through the adventures of Cesc and Vinyet, readers delve into the Celtic era, where offerings were made to the deceased, and travel through historical moments such as when neighbors offered "panellets" to the bell ringers who tolled the bells for the dead on All Saints' Day. The comic also explores the link between this Catalan tradition and the Halloween festival, unveiling little-known origins of such a popular celebration.
Main themes
- Historical origins of the Castanyada and its evolution over time.
- Celtic traditions related to offerings to the deceased.
- Popular Catalan customs such as the preparation and consumption of "panellets" for All Saints' Day.
- Relationship between the Castanyada and the Halloween festival.
- Time travel as a narrative device for historical learning.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is recommended for early readers and children aged 5-6 who are starting to read independently. It is also ideal for families and educators interested in passing on knowledge of Catalan traditions in a visual and enjoyable way, as well as for any curious child who wants to understand the "why" behind popular holidays.
What this book offers
- A deep and visual knowledge of the origins of the Castanyada, often unknown even to adults.
- An engaging reading experience thanks to the comic format with block letters, designed to facilitate comprehension for early readers.
- Promotes historical curiosity and appreciation for one's own cultural traditions.
- Establishes connections between different celebrations (Castanyada, All Saints' Day, Halloween), broadening the reader's cultural perspective.
Technical specifications
- Author: Gina Samba
- Publisher: Cossetania
- Language: Catalan
- Subject: People and places (children's/young adult)
- Collection: The Origins
- Publication date: September 2025
- Number of pages: 32
- Weight: 280 g
Editorial review
A well-judged proposal within the "The Origins" collection, which combines the comic format, so popular among early readers, with historical dissemination. The book succeeds in making a deeply rooted Catalan tradition accessible, sparking children's curiosity and offering a clear, visual narrative. It is a useful title for families and schools looking for tools to explain popular holidays from a playful and educational perspective.