Fáilte Ireland has called on people across the country to celebrate Ireland – the home of Halloween – and our ancient traditions of Samhain by connecting friends and family, through light and fire. We may not be able to gather and celebrate at Fáilte Ireland’s Púca Festival, but Fáilte Ireland is asking every household instead to light a Jack O’ Lantern, and enjoy a moment of peace and unity. The Lantern-lighting moment will take place at 8pm on Saturday 31st October 2020.

In the absence of the three-day music festival this year, Púca Festival will recreate the ancient tradition of lighting the first fires of the Celtic new year on the Hill of Ward in Co. Meath, with a pre-recorded torch-lit procession that will be streamed from 8pm on the Púca Facebook channel on October 31st.

At the Hill of Ward, the five ancient provinces of Ireland will be represented and symbolically reunited in flame. Viewers will see a contemporary reimagining of the Samhain Fires, designed by the Street Theatre Company ‘Luxe’, with new musical accompaniment by Matthew Nolan, Stephen Shannon and Sive.

Ciara Sugrue, Head of Festivals and Events at Fáilte Ireland said: “The lighting of the lantern not only pays tribute to our ancient tradition of Samhain, it is also a symbol of hope, peace and new beginnings as we enter into the winter months of 2020. It is something that everyone can be part of, young and old and we hope that this acts as a moment to bring us all together, even though we must stay apart."

Keep an eye on the Púca Festival Facebook page and hotpress.com for more details.