Remember the original movie Halloween? Debuting back in 1978, knife-wielding Michael Myers clothed in gray coveralls, creepy mask in place stalked unsuspecting victims while uber-creepy music played in the background. After viewing the skin-crawling flick at the theater I insisted to my now ex-husband that we spend the night at his parents’ house. I needed more people around to feel safe. (Yes, it was silly. And, no, that isn’t why he’s an ex-husband.) To this day, just hearing the first few notes of the theme music sends shivers up my spine.
As fate would have it, I ran into Michael Myers (literally) last Halloween in Derry, Ireland. What are the odds? Quite good, actually. Derry (also known as Londonderry) hosts Europe’s largest Halloween celebration attracting more than 100,000 people from all over the world…including Michael Myers.
The USA may claim origin of formidable villains like Michael Myers, Jason Voorhees and Freddy Krueger, but we can’t claim Halloween. That honor goes to Ireland. It’s no wonder Michael and his frightful friends flock to Derry to celebrate their favorite holiday.
History of the Haunted Holiday
In the ancient Celtic world, the Irish celebrated a festival known as Samhain. Considered to be the end of harvest and beginning of winter, October 31st was seen as a time when the dead returned to the mortal world. During the festival, communal fires were lit to ward off any evil spirits making an appearance. Why wasn’t Michael Myers invited to that party?
Celebrated well into the 6th century even after the introduction of Christianity, Samhain eventually became known as All Hallows Day and later, Halloween. When the Irish immigrated to the United States during the Great Famine from 1845-1849, they brought Halloween along. And those jack ‘o lanterns we love so much came along too. But they weren’t always pumpkins.
Irish children carved out potatoes or turnips as “Jack-O-Lanterns” and placed candles inside. It all started with a man named “Stingy Jack” who apparently invited the Devil to have a drink with him and then didn’t want to pay for his drink. Imagine that.
Today the Irish celebrate Halloween in grand fashion with parties, events and festivals spread throughout the lush green landscapes of the beloved Irish island. Here are some you don’t want to miss.
Eat, Drink and Be Scary in Dublin
Taste the history of Halloween for yourself at Dublin’s 1900s Irish Halloween Experience. This family-friendly event begins with an overview of the origins of Halloween including the games often played. Remember bobbing for apples? That came from the Irish too. The event continues with a feast where the main attraction is Samhain Stew—a traditional harvest stew made with Irish beef and vegetables. Served for dessert, the Barnbrack cake won’t just satisfy your sweet tooth, it may forecast your future from the hidden symbols baked within. www.visitdublin.com
Halloween appropriately coincides with Dublin’s annual Bram Stoker Festival. Now a much-loved tradition, the festival presents vampiric movie screenings, chilling theater and a host of creepy parties.
Hang out with Dracula at the Dracula Disco. Take an after-hours tour of Marsh Library for an up-close look at the exhibit, Bram Stoker and the Haunting of Marsh Library. Or sample a Bram Stoker inspired Bite of Dublin food tour. If you’re up for an intense experience, Séance explores the psychology of groups of people (up to 20 at a time) who have been bombarded with suggestible material. You go first, I’ll watch. www.bramstokerfestival.com
Experience the Macnas Halloween Parade in Galway
Over 70,000 people line the streets of Galway every year to witness a parade of otherworldly magic. Pioneered by Macnas, the annual event transforms the streets into an unforgettable spectacle. Giant creations, sculptural images, pyrotechnics, bespoke costumes and epic performances bring each year’s chosen theme to life.
Fortunate to attend the event last year, I witnessed “Out of the Wild Sky” where giant translucent creatures seemingly flew above the crowds. The theme was transformation and we watched as these spectacular creations sculpted a new cosmos into being. This year’s theme, “Danse Macabre” will guide spectators on a journey with a boy named Conor—promising to conjure up a world of light, aromas and mesmerizing magic along the way. www.galwaytourism.ie
Celebrating Halloween in Derry
Located in Northern Ireland, Derry exists where the Wild Atlantic Way meets the Causeway Coastal Route. Nestled in natural beauty, the city also has the distinction of being the only remaining completely walled city in Ireland. Constructed between 1613 and 1618, the wall forms a walkway around the inner city. When Halloween arrives, the walls awaken in an incredible spectacle attended by skeletons, witches, ghosts and you…if you dare. As they say in Derry, “Prepare to be shaken as the otherworld awakens!”
The celebration kicks off at the city’s Samhain Parade where carnival artists, dancers and circus performers delight residents and visitors. Haunted historic tours provide thrills and chills throughout the city. And everyone from tiny tots to grey-haired grandpas dress in costumes to join in the frightful fun. On Halloween when the walls awaken, ghosts are often seen dancing in candlelit windows. Skeletons hang out on the ancient walls keeping watch on all who enter while witches mingle with the crowd.
Creative and creepy costumes abound. I encountered everything and everyone from butchers gone mad to perfectly charming princesses. And it was here that I ran into Michael Myers within the city walls. Hoping to put my silly fears to rest, I tugged on his arm and asked if we could take a selfie. He stared at me with cold dark eyes through his hideous mask then turned and walked away. It’s clear we’re never going to be friends. www.derryhalloween.com
