A weekly update of local news in the Pyrenees-Orientales
Here in Catalonia, All Saints’ Day and the evening before are known as the Castanyada, (’Fête de la châtaigne’ in French) meaning Day of the Chestnut.
Traditionally, ‘castanyes’ (roast chestnuts) are eaten along with ‘moniatos’ (roast sweet potatoes) and ‘panellets’ (small almond balls covered in pine nuts).
Cemeteries are busy on this day of remembrance and chrysanthemums are on sale on every street. Don’t offer them to your hostess when invited out for dinner! They are for the dead
How about a trip this week on the Scary Halloween Special?
To leave or remain in the PO? Many birds will be doing one or the other now that the breeding season is over and winter approaches. But each species is hardwired to make the right…
Many a Bac (equivalent of A-Levels) student has quivered at the sight of Victor Hugo’s name on the test paper… how will you fare with this 19th century poem?
October 2025 – Current rules, main exceptions, and upcoming/future changes for carrying liquids in hand luggage when travelling to and from the EU ✈️ Current Rules for Carrying Liquids on a Plane (France → England,…
Toussaint, Castanyadas, Armistice 1918 and how The Unknown Soldier was chosen, and poor old ladies of over twenty-five….
Wonderful walk with views of Le Massif de Canigou. Very interesting industrial and cultural heritage.
If your spouse is becoming more and more reliant on you and unable to look after themselves, or you are looking after an elderly relative, then you are a carer or “aidant familial” in French.