Festival of the Souls in Soria

This event, which combines tradition, culture and respect for the dead, is made up of a variety of activities that will allow those attending to be part of the festival.

What does the festival consist of?

Since 1986, it has been a tradition for the Festival to begin the week before the Night of the Dead in the Ruins of San Nicolás de Soria, with a series of readings of short horror stories.

The Night of the Dead is special during the festival, because it commemorates the legend El Monte de las Ánimas, a work by the poet Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer, which begins with a parade, where all the attendees can walk through the streets, ruins and monuments of the city, up to the stone bridge, which represents the beginning of the Monte de las Ánimas.

Throughout this route, candles and torches will be present, as well as skeletons, giant puppets, medieval banners, Templar monks, among other nocturnal spectres of terror and fear. It is the well-known "Desfile de las Ánimas" (Parade of the Souls).

Once on the Monte de las Ánimas, near the river Duero, a bonfire is built and together with the torches, which will be the only night-time illumination, the group of monks read the legend of Bécquer. And when the flames of the fig tree have burnt out, the most daring walk barefoot over the fiery mantle of embers.

There is also music and fireworks. But the Festival does not end with the Night of the Dead, nor does it stay in the city of Soria. In fact, it extends to other towns such as Castilfrío and Carrascosa de la Sierra.

Origin of the Festival of the Souls in Soria

The famous night walk and the reading of the Leyenda de Bécquer, known as La Noche de las Ánimas, began to be celebrated in 1986, as an extracurricular literary activity, directed by Professor D. Ernesto López Gavira and the Escuela de Adultos de Soria.

With the passing of time, some of the activities have been replaced, others have been added, however, since the first meeting, the essence of the ritual has been maintained, following the essential activities, such as the meeting in the Rincón de Bécquer square, the night walk, the bonfire and the reading of the legend.

What else is there to see in Soria?

Without a doubt, the province of Soria has many magical and mysterious corners that you should not miss, as well as nature in its purest state. We recommend you visit:

• Walled villages such as Almazán, Rello and Calatañazor.
• Church of Santo Domingo.
• El Burgo de Osma Cathedral.
• Natural surroundings such as La Laguna Negra, Sierra del Urbión, Cañón del Río Lobos.

Gastronomy

Be sure to try these delicious specialities typical of this area:

• La Caldereta.
• El Torrentillo.
• Migas de Pastor.
• Tarta costrada.
• Torrijas.
• Truffles.
• Handmade products such as wines and butter.