Heidi Klum is not alone in her enthusiasm for Halloween, as the celebration gains momentum in Germany and beyond. Originally rooted in Irish traditions, particularly the ancient festival of Samhain, Halloween features a blend of historical customs and modern festivities in Ireland. From the vibrant Púca Festival and Derry’s massive celebrations to Dublin’s spooky attractions, the country embraces Halloween with parades and various events, highlighting its rich cultural ties to this beloved holiday.
Heidi Klum, 51, is among the many enthusiasts of Halloween. As the model prepares for her grand Halloween party in the USA in 2024, the spooky celebration is also gaining traction among Germans. Though frequently thought of as a primarily American holiday, Halloween has its roots in far older traditions, especially those from Ireland. This connection has led to a renewed focus on Ireland as the “Home of Halloween,” as recognized by Tourism Ireland.
The Origins of Halloween
A video on the YouTube channel ‘discover Ireland’ features Kelly Fitzgerald from University College Dublin, who sheds light on the misconceptions surrounding Halloween’s origins. She emphasizes that while many think Halloween began in North America, its true ancestry is much older, deeply integrated into Irish culture and history. Ireland’s historical narrative illustrates how significant Oíche Shamhna, or Halloween, is to the island’s heritage.
For generations, Halloween has fostered a sense of community. Samhain, the most crucial day during this period, blurred the lines between the living and the dead, marking the end of the harvest and the onset of winter. Fitzgerald references early writings that underscore the importance of this transitional time in Irish tradition.
Modern Halloween Celebrations in Ireland
Today, Ireland combines ancient customs with contemporary festivities. Celebrations take place across the nation, featuring vibrant parades, thrilling spectacles, and local festivals lasting several days. From October 31 to November 3, the Púca Festival unfolds in the towns of Trim and Athboy in County Meath. The festival showcases its roots in Samhain’s mystical traditions while incorporating modern twists, including a grand parade, musical acts, impressive fire displays, and a harvest market.
Meanwhile, ‘Derry Halloween’ in Derry/Londonderry, Northern Ireland, claims the title of “Europe’s largest Halloween festival.” The ‘City of Bones’ transforms with a variety of events from October 28 to 31, featuring everything from eerie performances to a masked ball, a haunted fairground, and a lively parade followed by a stunning fireworks display. Fans of ‘Game of Thrones’ can even snap a photo on the iconic Iron Throne.
Dublin, the capital of Ireland, offers thrill-seekers a chilling experience at the ‘Nightmare Realm.’ Visitors can navigate five engaging mazes, encountering characters like Slappy the Clown and demonic entities terrorizing a 17th-century village. To help those who might be apprehensive, a ‘Zombie Insurance Band’ is available for purchase, allowing guests to bypass the scares entirely.
The ‘Bram Stoker Festival’ also takes place in Dublin from October 25 to 28, celebrating the legacy of the famed author born in Clontarf, known for his novel ‘Dracula,’ which inspired countless film adaptations.
Additionally, the port city of Galway will host a Halloween parade on October 27, featuring a 20-meter-long newt in this year’s festivities. In Longford, the ‘Dead of Night’ festival runs from October 26 to 28, showcasing a procession with floats and around 100 performers.