The 2026 edition of La Noche de los Calacús will focus on raising awareness about violence against women, alongside its traditional festivities. The main event is scheduled for 31 October, featuring workshops aimed at children and families, as well as the customary Procession of the Souls, which will involve local theatre groups Adarve and Teatro con Lingua.
Registrations for activities requiring sign-up will commence on 26 October at 17:00 via email at anoitedoscalacus@gmail.com. On the afternoon of 31 October, various hospitality venues in the historic centre of Pontevedra will participate by creating a festive atmosphere with special decorations and DJs. Music will pause during the Procession of the Souls and will resume until nearly midnight.
Prior to the main event, a guided tour of the Santo Amaro cemetery will take place on the same afternoon at 17:00 for children and families, with an adult version scheduled for 25 October at 18:00. From 26 October to 1 November, ten local bakeries will revive the tradition of Pan de Ánimas, offering various sweet and savoury versions of the recipe.
The city’s Councillor for Culture and Festivals introduced this year's edition, accompanied by representatives of the participating bakeries and figures dressed as souls from purgatory. He emphasised the event's commitment to addressing social issues, stating, “Just as we did last year by highlighting deaths caused by fires, this year we will focus on the deaths resulting from violence against women. November begins with the 25N, and we felt this was very appropriate. We pay tribute to all women who have suffered and continue to suffer from gender-based violence.”
This year’s celebration will also see a change in venue, moving from the Mercado to Casa de la Luz, the Ferraría portico, and San Román Street, where local merchants will contribute to a beautiful decoration.
In addition to the guided tours, participating bakeries include Acuña, Amásame Bakery Lab, A Devesa, Xeve, Panadería Conchi, Confitería Solla, Millo Obrador, Entremigas, Anxemí, and Pontepan. The Councillor praised the growing involvement of local bakeries, stating, “In other cities, there are numerous franchises for bread and pastries. In Pontevedra, our bakers are so good that they leave no room for them.”
Daniel Pampín from Amásame Bakery expressed the importance of preserving local gastronomy, noting, “We are losing much of our culinary heritage due to homogenisation, where offerings are nearly the same everywhere. It is vital to see each bakery adding its unique character to their products.” Pampín highlighted that each bakery has its own version of the Pan de Ánimas, with variations reflecting local ingredients.
For the activities on 31 October, the Councillor advised checking the programme due to the extensive range of events planned, some of which will require prior registration. Workshops will include making necklaces, cooking sessions, special make-up, and costumes for the procession. He encouraged everyone to participate and dress as souls, promising a fun evening. The procession will feature entertainment from Adarve and Teatro con Lingua as it winds through the historic centre, with musical ambience provided by local venues in the plazas of Verdura, Méndez Núñez, Teucro, and Campiño de Santa María.
“We hope everyone enjoys the festivities and is encouraged to participate and try the bread,” the Councillor concluded.
