Halloween event: Dancing at Samhain

It is said that Halloween originated in Ireland as long as 5,000 years ago, before the arrival of the Celts. Our ancestors celebrated this time of year marking the end of the harvest season, and the beginning of the Celtic year, at Samhain, October 31, also the beginning of winter.

As new life begins in the womb, a seed in the earth, this dark phase was seen as a new beginning too. It was a time where people came back into balance after the brighter, more active part of the year, mirroring nature by slowing down, resting more, and dreaming in new projects for the following year.

“It is in our own interest, for our own health that we reflect more on these older traditions and live in closer harmony to nature, our greatest teacher,” says Claire Bracken of Red Roots Farm, Riverstown, Killucan. In an effort to restore and revive the seasonal celebrations of the year as our ancestors did, Claire is planning an event for this Saturday, October 26, called ‘Dancing at Samhain’ in Killucan GAA Hall and community centre.

“We are a nation known for our craic agus cheoil, yet we are limited in places to go to dance,” said Claire, whose late parents met at the dance hall in Kilbeggan, “where there were no phones, no screens, just music and dancing to bring people together at weekends”.

“It seems like a great opportunity for people and communities to bring these dance experiences back, and of course a great way to meet new people.

“Dancing at Samhain’ aims to get people out dancing again. We have these great community centres all over Ireland that are mostly used for sport, and could be places where people come to dance also.

Dancing at Lughnasa was an outdoors event held at Red Roots Farm on a sunny evening in early August. “There was a great turnout, we opened and closed the space around a gorgeous Lughnasagh fire ceremony, and danced away on the lawn to the sun going down, one of our best summer nights!”

Dancing at Samhain invites you to come dance and celebrate our ancestors, rekindling their wisdom traditions and connection to nature and the seasons.

“Dressing up is optional but go wild if that’s your thing! Witches, wizards, zombies, shapeshifters all welcome! Mixed music style to dance to.

“Come for 7pm so we can open the Samhain Space together.”

Dancing at Samhain is an over 18’s, alcohol-free event inspired by ecstatic dance practices, free-flow movement. Admission €20 (no card payments), eircode N91XH31. Text Claire to book on 085 7886981.

For more on events at Red Roots Farm, text or see Instagram.