East Cork to Celebrate Samhain with Lantern Workshops and Parade of Light

Greywood Arts in Killeagh is inviting the community to embrace ancient Celtic traditions this Halloween with lantern making workshops and a magical Parade of Light through Glenbower Woods on 1st November.

The celebrations honour Samhain, the Celtic festival marking the transition from harvest to winter, when it was believed the veil between the living and the dead grew thin. In keeping with tradition, participants will create lanterns to light their way through the darkness.

Midterm workshops take place on Monday 27th October at 11am and 2pm, suitable for all ages, with an additional adult session on Tuesday 28th October at 6:30pm. Using natural willow and paper, attendees will craft lanterns of various shapes and sizes.

The finished lanterns will illuminate the Parade of Light on Saturday 1st November at 5:30pm, featuring a procession led by mystical Women who Walk the Veil into Glenbower Woods. The event concludes with sweet treats, hot chocolate and mulled wine at Greywood Arts on Main Street.

Jessica Bonenfant, Creative Director at Greywood Arts, said:

"We invite everyone to join in this dazzling display of light as we process together into Glenbower Wood after dark, honouring our Celtic traditions and marking the beginning of the winter season. Both young and old will be enchanted by this magical celebration."

The Celts traditionally used bonfires and lanterns during Samhain to ward off spirits believed to cross into the mortal world during this liminal time between seasons.

Bookings can be made online through Greywood Arts Eventbrite, with further information available at greywoodarts.org.