Púca Festival taking place from October 31st – November 2nd will see stunning light installations and performers, playful interactives and awe-inspiring bespoke projections at ancient sites of Ireland’s Ancient East, and a new music festival across unique venues in County Meath and County Louth.
According to Irish folklore and more recent archaeological evidence, Halloween can be traced back to the ancient Celtic tradition of Samhain. ‘Summer’s end’ in old Irish, Samhain marked the end of the Celtic Year and the start of a new one and believed to be a time of transition, when the spirits of all those who had passed away since the previous Oíche Shamhna (31st October) moved onto the next life.
Samhain was the last great gathering before winter, a time of feasting, remembering what had passed and preparing for what was to come.
A spectacular festival of music and light complemented by rich harvest-inspired food experiences, Púca will celebrate a time when light turns to dark, the veil between realities draws thin, rules can be broken, and the spirits move between worlds.
‘Púca’, a character from Celtic folklore often associated with Samhain, was chosen as the name for the festival following consumer research in key markets. At Halloween, the Púca comes alive, changing the fortunes of those that cross it and immersing them in the true spirit of Halloween.