Salobreña’s beloved autumn party returns with roasted chestnuts, live music and a warm, cosy welcome

A cosy November evening, live music and the scent of freshly roasted chestnuts drifting through the air. That is what Salobreña has planned this Thursday, when its much-loved Fiesta de la Castaña returns.

An autumn favourite on the Costa Tropical

Doors open at 5pm on Thursday, November 5 for the Chestnut Festival, at the Centro de Mayores, the town’s senior citizens’ centre. Organisers have lined up many kilos of freshly roasted chestnuts, so nobody should go home empty-handed. Best eaten warm and shared with friends, they are a classic taste of the season in Spain.

Music comes courtesy of Moises Franco, who will play live to get you moving and dancing, so comfortable shoes are a good idea to join in with the festivities. Picture a snug, festive space that feels more like a family gathering than a formal event.

Tackling loneliness, one smile at a time

Behind the fun lies a serious purpose. The afternoon is designed to combat “soledad no deseada”, or unwanted loneliness, and encourages people to socialise and celebrate while staying healthy, curious and connected at every stage of life.

For expats who may live far from family, an afternoon like this can make a real difference.

Nobody should feel alone

Maria Rodriguez, Salobreña’s councillor for social welfare says the centre means a great deal to the town. “Our older residents are the heart of Salobreña,” she said. In her view, spaces like this do more than keep customs going: they build networks of support, bring people together to smile and add fresh enthusiasm to every stage of life.

She wants nobody to feel alone, and for the centre always to feel like a second home.

If you live nearby or are visiting the area this week, it is a lovely chance to meet your neighbours over a bag of delicious chestnuts. Anyone who has spent an Autumn in Andalucia will know how well a paper cone of hot chestnuts goes with the first cool evenings.