FACING a Halloween where Spain is reeling from the death of at least 95 people in flash floods – includng in Valencia, Castilla del Mancha and Málaga – many town halls have decided to cancel or postpone their celebrations. Spanish prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, yesterday announced three days of official national mourning starting from today, Thursday 31 October, and ending on midnight, Saturday 2 November.
At present, many people are still missing, or injured, because of the floods. Furthermore, the expat community has been hit by a 71-year-old British man from Alhaurín de la Torre. near Malaga, losing his life following being rescued and transferred to hospital. He suffered hypothermia and a heart attack.
Respect for the dead
Although Órgiva town hall in Granada province was quick to suspend its celebrations, other town halls have decided to run their scheduled events. Some events, by their nature, are difficult to cancel. These include music gigs with significant investment and bookings already paid.
Órgiva civic dignitaries held a minute of silence outside their town hall this morning. Some passers-by stopped to pay their respects.
Fundraising intentions
Lanjarón – a spa town that is the “gateway to La Alpujarra” – is proceeding with its ‘Castañada’ event that starts at 20hrs tonight, on the basis of fundraising for the flood victims. Collection boxes will be placed near the supply of roast chestnuts.
The town hall says: “The 2024 chestnut festival will have a splidarity character, and will serve to raise funds that will be used to help people affected by Dana. At the end of the distribution table, you will all find some piggy banks to make your contribution. This will be useful for those people who have seen their lives change overnight. Don’t forget!”
A difficult decision, at times
Town halls will always face a difficult choice when balancing the disappointment of younger residents – i.e. the main audience for Halloween – against adult sensibilities when events of national importance occur. It is likely that the younger children will barely understand what has happened.
Exactly a year ago, many Halloween events were postponed for wind and rain, leaving youngsters confused, wandering aimlessly around in their costumes.
Check before attending
Many events on the Axarquia and Costa Tropical have been suspended under the circumstances. Some of the coastal towns are directly affected, or geographically close to major incidents.
The advice from South of Granada is to check your local ‘ayuntamiento’ website or Facebook page to see if an event is proceeding, postponed, or cancelled. Some events schuled for today have been moved to Sunday 3 November – a day after the period of national mourning ends.
Whatever is attended in spooky costumes, many people will surely be contemplating the very real day of the dead.