Festival of Souls (Soria) 

The Festival of Souls refers to the "Las Ánimas Festival" and it takes place in the city of Soria, from October 23rd to November 1st. This festival celebrates the legend of "The Mountain of Souls" by Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer, a Spanish writer. This Spanish literature text is known for being one of the best horror stories. The festival is directed by Professor D. Ernesto López Gavira and the Escuela de Adultos de Soria. The event focuses on the theme of horror and the afterlife. There are short horror stories being performed in the ruins of San Nicolás, parades during dusk, torches being held, bagpipe music, and the reading  of Bécquer's story by the Douro River. It represents ancient Celtic Samhain traditions which highlight the beginning of winter. The period between fall and winter represents the boundary between the living and the dead. The story vividly portrays that thought and it echoes the idea of spirits walking deep into the night during All Saints' Eve and All Souls' Day. 

A short summary of "The Mountain of Souls" takes place in Soria, due to the mystical atmosphere of the area. The tale surrounds the life of a nobleman, Alonso, and his cousin Beatriz. Alonso spends his time searching for a blue sash that Beatriz has left and without being tempted by fears of the ominous legends he adventures out to grab it. The next morning Alonso is found dead and Beatriz is haunted by the sight of his cousin’s ghost. Beatriz soon faces a tragic fate herself. 

This festival has been taking place since 1986, the same ritual has been followed. Next to the usual bonfire, the light from the stars, and the torches of the group of monks is thought to be the legend of Bécquer and every year a well known voice actor is dubbing the panorama. The most brave of the people will move to the final act which is when the dead come. The templar monks walking around bringing spectres of terror and fear. The ringing of the bell in the chapel is heard and the souls and spirits are hunting amongst everyone. Animals make their natural sounds; wolves howl, snakes hiss, and bats nipping in the sky. That is why the festival is also known as Monte de las Ánimas. Not only does it stop in Soria, it makes its way towards other towns as well, like Castilfrío and Carrascosa de la Sierra.