The celebration of Halloween is rooted in pagan and Christian Celtic practices. With the arrival of Irish and Scots immigrants in 19th century America, Halloween traditions began to be assimilated into the American experience. Since the early 20th century, Halloween has been observed across the USA by just about all Americans. But, what's the status of the October vent in Celtic lands?
One notable celebration takes place in Galway, the largest city in the Province of Connaught and a key stopping point on Ireland's new road, the "Wild Atlantic Way". Galway is also home to the internationally renowned Macnas, a producer of festivals and celebrations that bring stunning large-scale images, interactive performances and "brilliant chaos" to the streets of the world.
In recent years, Macnas, in partnership with municipal and civic sponsors, has produced Galway's famous Halloween Parade. This year’s parade, themed “The Shadow Lighter” was celebrated on Saturday, October 25. It featured ‘Danu’, Celtic Goddess of the divine and dark, brutal and beautiful, warrior and mother. Danu was joined by Macnas Mummers and Drummers, Youth Ballet West, the Macnas Brass Ensemble and over 200 performers and musicians from Galway City and County.
As a certified Ireland specialist (Tourism Ireland), I’m able to plan your visit to Ireland whether it be to Galway and Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way during fall 2016 or to any other part part of the island of Ireland in any season. There IS something for everyone on the Emerald Isle!
Ed McCourt, CTC
Travel Collaborative
Cambridge, MA
edmccourt@travelcoll.com
781-325-2553
Want more parade background? See this link (whether or not you speak Irish Gaelic!).
One notable celebration takes place in Galway, the largest city in the Province of Connaught and a key stopping point on Ireland's new road, the "Wild Atlantic Way". Galway is also home to the internationally renowned Macnas, a producer of festivals and celebrations that bring stunning large-scale images, interactive performances and "brilliant chaos" to the streets of the world.
In recent years, Macnas, in partnership with municipal and civic sponsors, has produced Galway's famous Halloween Parade. This year’s parade, themed “The Shadow Lighter” was celebrated on Saturday, October 25. It featured ‘Danu’, Celtic Goddess of the divine and dark, brutal and beautiful, warrior and mother. Danu was joined by Macnas Mummers and Drummers, Youth Ballet West, the Macnas Brass Ensemble and over 200 performers and musicians from Galway City and County.
As a certified Ireland specialist (Tourism Ireland), I’m able to plan your visit to Ireland whether it be to Galway and Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way during fall 2016 or to any other part part of the island of Ireland in any season. There IS something for everyone on the Emerald Isle!
Ed McCourt, CTC
Travel Collaborative
Cambridge, MA
edmccourt@travelcoll.com
781-325-2553
Want more parade background? See this link (whether or not you speak Irish Gaelic!).
