- Main locations and atmosphere: Pujerra, Montseny, Parres and Alcaucín.
- Featured programs: toasted bread, mistela (sweet wine), amagüestu (traditional Asturian chestnut roast), and tastings.
- Dates and times communicated, with verification on official channels.
The chestnut festival is one of those autumnal activities that evoke the scent of woodsmoke, the countryside, and shared traditions in town squares and along country lanes. From the Genal Valley in Málaga to the Cantabrian coast and the forests of Montseny, the calendar is filled with celebrations that pay homage to this fruit and the people who cultivate and enjoy it with their families. At these gatherings, chestnuts are roasted, stories are shared, and recipes that are part of the local culinary heritage are sampled.
This guide provides detailed information about Pujerra and its surrounding mountains, the more family-friendly side of Montseny , the vibrant festival in Parres , and the welcoming atmosphere of Alcaucín . You'll find descriptions of the landscape, local traditions like roasted pork and chestnut roasting, and schedules and activities listed in official programs. As a general rule, it's advisable to check dates and times with the town hall or tourist offices before traveling.
Pujerra and the Genal Valley: chestnut groves, water and a spectacular autumn
In the southwestern corner of the Serranía de Ronda mountain range, bordering the western Costa del Sol, lies Pujerra , an enclave where chestnut and pine forests stretch to the bottom of the Genal Valley. Water, lush vegetation, and varied topography combine here in a distinctive environment that, while clearly mountainous, possesses unique characteristics that make it especially appealing for walking and observing the changing landscape.
With the arrival of October, the valley transforms, and the autumnal palette of colors dominates the chestnut groves. During this month, the chestnut harvest takes place , the economic foundation of the municipality and the source of a magnificent visual spectacle: thousands of hectares of woodland that turn from green to ochre as the work unfolds in the fields.
Local tradition dictates that, starting November 1st , any hiker can pick chestnuts they find along the trails, a sign that the harvest is over. This symbolic gesture gives way to celebration: neighbors gather to celebrate the end of the harvest and share the first roasted chestnuts of the season in a friendly atmosphere.
The main celebration takes place in early November with the Chestnut Festival, or Tostones , when the town fills with the aroma of roasted chestnuts and the embers in the streets. Alongside the chestnuts, another essential classic is mistela , a local liqueur made with brandy, roasted almonds, and coffee, perfect for accompanying the tasting and warming the body.
Throughout the day, gastronomic demonstrations are organized featuring dishes made with chestnuts to delight locals and visitors. Anyone who comes to the village over the weekend will find stalls, traditional recipes, and a welcoming atmosphere that invites them to stay a little longer.
This celebration is officially recognized for its uniqueness. The festival holds the distinction of being a Provincial Tourist Attraction, awarded by the Málaga Provincial Council on October 13, 2004, and is also declared a Festival of Tourist Interest by the provincial institution. Before visiting, it is highly recommended to check the exact date with the Town Hall or the Municipal Tourist Office, as the program may vary from year to year.
Montseny: tradition, nature and activities for the whole family
In Montseny , the Chestnut Festival brings together families and nature lovers every autumn at fairs where the landscape is as much a star as the product itself. Trails through forests, stalls selling local produce, and activities designed for children make these events a getaway that combines culture and the great outdoors.
The fair in this area is distinguished by its unique format, which combines a traditional market, demonstrations, and participatory activities. Visitors not only buy and sample products but also immerse themselves in the local culture and the uses of the chestnut tree, through an engaging and educational approach.
- Gastronomic markets with seasonal products and chestnuts as the main attraction.
- Medieval fairs and settings that evoke the rural past.
- Chestnuts popular, essential at this time of year.
- Days dedicated to local autumn products.
Autumn in Catalonia is packed with family-friendly activities , offering something for all ages and beautiful spots to discover. Every weekend can be a mini-adventure combining delicious flavors, traditions, and excursions.
Besides the chestnut festival in Montseny, there are other unique autumn festivals scattered throughout Catalonia. If you're curious, it's a good idea to keep an eye on the weekend events calendar and the sections for recommendations and related plans, which are often updated with new suggestions.
And if you enjoy seasonal themes, there are plenty of Halloween and Castañada festivals and fairs, as well as content sections that group together other things that might interest you. The goal is for you to find, at a glance, the options that best fit your available time.
Parres: Chestnut and Garden Produce Competition
The municipality of Parres is hosting the 34th Chestnut and Garden Produce Fair, held in Plaza Venancio Pando and surrounding areas. This event promotes chestnuts as well as other products and elements linked to the agricultural sector, the agri-food industry, and, more generally, the economic development and promotion of the municipality.
According to the information released, the event will be held on November 8th and 9th, 2025. The venue will be open on Saturday the 11th from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM and on Sunday the 12th from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Since the schedule includes several events on those days, it is advisable to check the times and day numbers on official channels before planning your visit.
- Amagüestu school and popular, with the roasted chestnut taking center stage.
- Asturian Song Festival, a showcase of local culture and tradition.
- Regional pouring competition, with cider as the main attraction.
- Tributes to Countryman of the Year and recognition of the Exemplary Town.
- Exhibition of animals from the Parres council, of an informative nature.
- Awards ceremony for the 13th Fountain Decoration Contest.
The program is rounded out with events spread throughout the first two weeks. On Saturday, November 1st, the opening address will be given by canoeist Pedro Vázquez Llenín, an international medalist and recipient of the council's gold medal. A sporting kickoff to add prestige to the event.
The Parres Exemplary Village Award will be presented on Saturday, November 8th , with nominations open until October 30th. Sunday the 9th will be dedicated to honoring the Villagers of the Year, a heartfelt recognition of the commitment of local residents.
Between November 3 and 7, you can taste the famous "Chestnut Pinchos", a proposal that invites you to savor the product in tapa format, ideal for those who enjoy trying different bites throughout the event.
The atmosphere of the event combines the festive with the rural: the amagüestu brings together people of all ages, cider takes center stage with the cider pouring competition, and traditional music provides the soundtrack to an event that looks to the future without losing its roots.
Reflecting the event's vitality, the official channels broadcast audiovisual content with snapshots and videos, a good way to get a feel for the event and decide which moment best suits your visit.
Alcaucín: Axarquía flavor and a chestnut-based welcome
Alcaucín is a beautiful white village in the Axarquía region of Málaga province, which celebrates its Chestnut Festival every year at the beginning of November. The essence of the festival is hospitality: people share chestnuts, enjoy conversation, and the villagers welcome locals and visitors alike to celebrate the start of the colder months with something warm in hand.
The event will take place on November 8, 2025 , and the program begins at 13 p.m. The invitation is open and friendly: a tasting of chestnuts, sweet potatoes, shortbread cookies with cinnamon or lemon zest, and a small glass of anise liqueur . A simple and delicious combination, perfect for experiencing local tradition.
In the evening, starting at 20:30 pm , there will be a music and dance show, a great excuse to extend the day with laughter, songs and a town square atmosphere that reconciles you with the quiet rhythm of the village.
If you're wondering exactly where it is, just remember that Alcaucín belongs to the Axarquía region . The location, surrounded by attractive landscapes, allows you to combine attending the festival with walks and short trips around the area, perfect for those looking for a full day out.
There are many wonderful activities to be found in the surrounding area . You can access details of each option through the link provided in the original source, where experiences and plans for different tastes and ages are grouped.
For those wishing to stay, the organization offers direct access to available accommodations and rentals in Alcaucín and the surrounding area. Simply enter your desired dates to check availability in the town itself or in nearby locations.
The section with useful links for your trip to Andalusia includes shortcuts for quick and affordable bookings, as well as suggestions for other experiences near Alcaucín. There's also a newsletter to keep you up-to-date and a section with the latest articles about the region.
These types of events usually include practical information such as age limits , prices , and last-minute updates. The final recommendation, especially if you're planning to travel, is to check the event or ticket website to confirm up-to-date conditions and schedules before leaving home.
Resources by municipality: the interactive map of Almería
If you're interested in directories by municipality, there's a resource called "Almería Town by Town" that provides direct access to all 103 towns and the additional entity that make up the province. Through an interactive map or a drop-down menu, you can reach the website of the town hall you're looking for—a useful option for finding event schedules, phone numbers, or announcements.
These types of tools are useful for checking dates and programs of local fairs, festivals, or autumn markets. Although this article doesn't focus on Almería, the example serves as a reminder that many regions have centralized access to municipal information, which streamlines planning.
Beyond each individual case, the rich geography of the chestnut festival demonstrates that autumn is experienced very differently depending on the region, but always with the same common thread: product, landscape, and community . If you think of Pujerra and its mistela, Montseny and its family fairs, Parres with its cider and asado competition, or Alcaucín with its welcome of sweet potatoes and mantecados, the plan sounds perfect for a seasonal getaway. Before traveling, remember to check opening times on the municipal or tourism website, and save room to savor the chestnuts fresh from the fire: few things taste better when the air turns crisp.
