Trasmoz, the only excommunicated town in Spain, has celebrated the Light of the Souls for more than a century

The 80 inhabitants of Trasmoz (Zaragoza) celebrate these days, like every year for more than a century, the Light of the Souls. They have not done it alone: ​​more than 5,000 visitors have walked the streets of this town enjoying the activities that take place the weekend closest to October 31. Trasmoz’s relationship with mystery and the supernatural goes back a long way, since it is the only Spanish town that is considered cursed by the Church.

The town was excommunicated in the Middle Ages as a result of a conflict between the abbot of the Monastery of Veruela and the inhabitants of the town, a situation that persists to this day. The situation became even more complicated in the 16th century, when the Church renewed the excommunication due to the reputation of witchcraft that surrounded the place.

At that time, Trasmoz was associated with black magic, witchcraft and covens, partly due to the legends that arose around the castle, where rituals were said to be practiced and potions were made.

This connection of the town with the supernatural is maintained and, for more than a century, it has been celebrated around October 31. The activities of the Night of Souls date back to Celtic times, when fruits were emptied to place lighting inside and thus scare away evil spirits. The celebration has evolved over the years, current proposals include workshops, story-telling, raffles and performances, also highlighting the procession in which a song recovered from local tradition will be sung and guided tours of the castle.

Evolution of the celebration

Until approximately 20 years ago, the residents of Trasmoz took advantage of this Ánimas festival to gather around a bonfire and tell a story or tale. Over the years, the facades of homes and streets began to be decorated, thus attracting visitors, which has evolved into the current programming.

The events around this traditional event in Trasmoz, which are mostly concentrated on November 2, bring together around 5,000 people. The president of the El Embrujo de Trasmoz Association, María Cristina García, has pointed out, in statements to Europa Press, that each year the number of visitors and activities that are organized grow. He highlighted the number of requests they have received through the Association’s email to request information about programming.

“We are expecting quite a few people, although the surrounding towns also have proposals to celebrate this festival and are competing with us,” García joked. Regarding the profile of the visitors, he explained that the majority are families, “because we have activities for children throughout the day”, but also adults, “who are very interested in the lively streets.”

Added to the “terrifying” tour through the lively streets of Trasmoz and the rest of the events is the market, which will have approximately 25 stalls with craft products, textiles, jewelry, candles, soaps and cosmetics.

The programming is organized by the City Council and the El Embrujo de Trasmoz Association. Likewise, a parking lot has been set up at the entrance to the town, since vehicles will not be able to access the urban center, decorated for the occasion and whose streets house the “terrifying” market.

García has assured that many people repeat each year, both at the Luz de Ánimas and at the Witchcraft Festival – which takes place in the month of July -, “because they are themes that attract attention and that is what visitors like.” ”. “We like to be known and that attracts tourism to the area,” he added.