Celebrate Samhain with Parade of Light at Glenbower Woods in East Cork

The Samhain Parade of Light will return to East Cork this month, with a week of activities planned for families.

Now in its fifth year, the Killeagh-based family-friendly event will take place at the Greywoods Art centre over the October mid-term break.

The celebration will begin with three family lantern-making workshops on October 26 and 27, with further classes for adults during the week.

The Parade of Light, which is co-ordinated and led by master of ceremonies Martin O’Donoghue will take place on October 30.

Organisers have said this year’s event brings a new feature to the programme, with Helena Breathnach, a keeper of old lore, introducing Cailleach — the mythical hag figure of Celtic tradition — to the procession.

Lanterns made in the workshops with artist Caoimhe Dunn will provide light for the parade as it travels from the arts centre to the nearby Glenbower Woods.

Creative director at Greywood Arts, Jessica Bonenfant, said: “Samhain has always been about the turning of the year — the crossing from light into dark, and the moment when the veil between this world and the next is at its thinnest.

“Each year we try to build something that feels meaningful and moving,” said Ms Bonenfant.

“It is a way of honouring that old tradition while creating a new memory for the people who come and walk with us.”

Mr O’Donoghue said that the Parade of Light will be: “A procession of half-otherworldly humans of all ages in a costumed chant, marching behind An Grianstad, a magic fire ship that will set the night aflame as we celebrate An Samhain, Killeagh-style.”

• For more information about classes and the parade visit https://greywoodarts.org