The Irish are known for concocting an enchanting cauldron of mystery and merriment at the time of Halloween. Not surprising… it all started in Ireland at the Celtic festival of Samhain. A big party that marked the end of the light season and the beginning of the dark winter days.
The Celts believed in the interaction between the worlds of the living and the dead and that spirits could move between them. Fearing that all sorts of creatures would pull them to the other world before their time, the Celts would have disguised themselves in costumes to confuse and scare the wandering ghosts.
Today, Halloween dressing up is a deeply rooted tradition of these ancient Celtic customs, as is the tradition of lighting bonfires, which began in the hills of Ireland with clans gathering to light huge ceremonial Samhain fires. Home to Halloween, Ireland celebrates this spooky season like no other with a range of festivals big and small. The following is planned for 2020, among other things:
Púca Festival
To this day, the Meath and Louth counties area, where the High Kings of Ireland reigned, one of the centers of Irish Halloween traditions. Púca events normally include impressive symbolic lighting of the Samhain fire, live music and performances, fantastic light shows to celebrate Ireland as the original birthplace of Halloween. This year, however, all celebrations are virtual, with the exception of the lighting of the Samhain fires on October 31 and a celebration of the origins of Halloween in Irish and Celtic traditions, which is told through the Púca social media channels.
Click here for video about the Púca Festival:
Bram Stoker Festival
The famous Bram Stoker Festival brings fun and adventure to the Irish capital, over the Halloween weekend, where the Dublin-born creator of Dracula is celebrated. This year, due to Covid-19 restrictions, the program focuses on fun and interactive virtual experiences for all age groups, focusing on Dublin's unique link with Stoker, the supernatural and Irish Halloween traditions. There are tricks and treats for everyone, so vampires of all ages will find something to sink their teeth into from the comfort of their own castles. The full program will be out soon, so all fans are advised to keep an eye on the festival website and the social media channels of the Bram Stoker festival.
Click here for a video about the Bram Stoker festival:
Derry Halloween
What started as a simple dress up party in a pub in the famous walled city of Derry ~ Londonderry has grown voted the most impressive Halloween party in Europe and voted the world's number one Halloween destination. People from all over the world (not to mention the other world) came to enjoy a spectacular festival that combines ancient myth and cutting edge culture.
This year, while many of the physical events have been curtailed by Covid-19 restrictions, the city will nevertheless be invaded by grand inflatable monsters, banshee bike rides and several fireworks displays running simultaneously. Online there are also many activities for everyone including tutorials on costume, mask and broom making, pumpkin carving technique, face painting, SFX makeup, recipes and cocktails. Virtual storytelling, theater and ghost stories for adults will follow the festival theme, complemented by a series of Samhain Sessions (live music performances).
Click here for the Derry Halloween video
