More than 2000 years ago, the ancient Celtic fire festival of Samhain traditionally marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of dark winter in Ireland, says Tourism Ireland.
Today it is called Halloween, and this year Derry Halloween turns 40. Held in Derry (officially Londonderry), it is billed as Europe’s oldest and largest Halloween festival.
Derry Halloween began as a community celebration in 1985, says the NTO, when a Halloween fancy-dress party in a pub was evacuated during a security alert at the height of The Troubles, sending revellers onto the streets and sparking a tradition that grew into the event it is today. Four decades on, it says, the event reflects the city’s journey from conflict to peace, drawing visitors from around the world.
Derry is the only remaining completely walled city in Ireland, and this year’s festival (28 Oct-01 Nov) begins with the Awakening the Walled City Trail. There’s also a Halloween Carnival Parade, live performances, family-friendly events and a fireworks finale.
. . . Meath
There is also the Púca Festival in County Meath, the spiritual home of Samhain, with live music and performances. Large-scale figures inspired by Irish mythology wind through the streets of Trim, there’s the ceremonial Lighting of the Samhain Fire and the Púca Samhain Banquet. Other Halloween festivities across Ireland include haunted walking tours, harvest food fairs and processions. See more on Derry Halloween HERE and the Púca Festival HERE.
