Central London witnessed a haunting scene today as five mysterious figures, dressed in traditional Celtic garb, made appearances at notable landmarks, including Bank, Millennium Bridge, and Westminster. The spectacle was part of Tourism Ireland’s campaign to share the origins of Halloween, which dates back over 2,000 years to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, celebrated on the island of Ireland.
Many believe Halloween’s roots lie in American culture, yet much of the holiday’s symbolism and traditions are intertwined with ancient Irish customs. According to historians, the tradition stems from Samhain, a festival marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, which was celebrated on the Hill of Tlachtga in County Meath, Ireland. This time of year, believed to see the barrier between the living and the dead at its thinnest, was a period when people in Ireland would don costumes to scare away roaming spirits.
The figures seen around London today gave passers-by a taste of how ancient costumes may have looked, with earthy materials and animalistic details meant to frighten away spirits from the otherworld. This eerie display sparked intrigue and served as a visual history lesson about Halloween’s Celtic roots.
“Many traditions we associate with Halloween, such as dressing up, carving pumpkins, and trick-or-treating, originated in Ireland,” noted a spokesperson for Tourism Ireland. The spokesperson explained that originally, turnips were carved into lanterns to ward off spirits, a custom brought to America by Irish immigrants, where the use of pumpkins instead became widespread.
Tourism Ireland’s campaign coincides with major Halloween celebrations set to take place on the island of Ireland. County Meath will host the Puca Festival, a Halloween event named after the mythical shape-shifting creature of Irish folklore, from 31st October to 3rd November. Organisers expect over 44,000 attendees to participate in the festival’s celebrations, which will include traditional Irish storytelling, music, and light displays.
Meanwhile, Northern Ireland’s Derry Halloween Festival, recognised as Europe’s largest Halloween festival, will draw an estimated 88,000 attendees between 28th and 31st October. The festival will feature live performances, parades, and displays that pay homage to Halloween’s origins while offering a modern celebration for all ages.
“This season is an invitation for visitors to experience Ireland’s deep-rooted Halloween heritage,” said the spokesperson. “Our hope is that visitors can connect with the rich folklore, history, and modern festivities that make Halloween celebrations in Ireland unique.”
Today’s London appearances and the upcoming events are part of a broader effort by Tourism Ireland to rekindle interest in the holiday’s origins, illustrating that Halloween’s mystique is as much Irish as it is American. The campaign hopes to spark travel interest, enticing visitors to explore the authentic Halloween experience on Irish soil, where the first celebrations of Samhain began.
With ancient traditions such as apple bobbing, lantern carving, and mask-wearing still remembered in Irish Halloween celebrations, Tourism Ireland’s initiative reminds us of Halloween’s roots and Ireland’s significant role in shaping one of the world’s most beloved holidays. With Halloween in Ireland only expected to get bigger next year, don’t be left out in the dark. Book a 2025 Halloween break: www.ireland.com/en-gb/features/ireland-home-of-halloween
For more information on the island of Ireland, please visit www.Ireland.com
