O chestnut-tree, great-rooted blossomer,
Are you the leaf, the blossom or the bole?
O body swayed to music, O brightening glance,
How can we know the dancer from the dance? - William Butler Yeats

The Chestnut (Castanea sativa) is native to southeastern Europe and Asia Minor. It is a medium-sized to large deciduous tree

The flowers of both sexes are borne in 10-20 cm long, upright catkins, the male flowers in the upper part and female flowers in the lower part. They appear in late June to July, and by autumn, the female flowers develop into spiny cupules containing 3-5 brownish nuts that are shed during October.

Spanish chestnut was probably originally native to western Asia, from Iran to the Balkans. It has been cultivated for more than 3000 years, and today it occurs in wild or naturalized populations throughout Europe, Africa and Asia. The common name probably derives from the fact that the some of the best chestnuts imported into England were grown in Spain.

Sweet Chestnut is widely cultivated for its edible nuts. As early as Roman times it was introduced into more northerly regions, and later it was cultivated in monastery gardens by monks. Today, centuries-old specimens may be found in Great Britain and the whole of central and western Europe. The nuts, which are very tasty, are used by confectioners and are also eaten roasted. They are popular in France, Spain, Italy and particularly in Corsica. They may be roasted whole or ground to make flour. The durable wood is used to make furniture, barrels (sometimes used to age balsamic vinegar), fencing and roof beams in houses of Spain. The bark also provides tannin.

From November 1st to 11th Magostos are celebrated in rural places and cities too.People go to the chesnut forests to gather fruits. Then they make bonfires and roast chesnuts. While, they sing and dance traditional tunes. In many places they have new wine and pork products.