Samhain Parade of Light returns to East Cork

The Samhain Parade of Light will mark the end of a week of artistic endeavour at Greywood Arts in the village of Killeagh, culminating in a torch-lit procession through Glenbower woods featuring music, storytelling, and a ceremonial burning of a boat.

Under the direction of lead artists Caoimhe Dunn and Martin O’Donoghue, the event is in its fifth year and has grown into one of the arts centre’s most anticipated community traditions.

The celebration begins with three family lantern-making workshops during the October Bank Holiday weekend, with further classes for adults during the week, before the public is invited to participate in the Parade of Light.

The parade will be led by master of ceremonies, Martin O’Donoghue, and looks to capture the playful and fun-filled essence of the Samhain gathering.

Mr O’Donoghue said: “Weaving through different worlds, 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.”

This year brings a new feature to the programme in the shape of Helena Breathnach, a keeper of old lore, who will introduce a cailleach - the mythic hag figure of Celtic tradition - to the procession. Lanterns made in the workshops with Ms Dunn will provide a sea of colour and light for the parade as it travels from the arts centre to the nearby Glenbower woods.

Greywood Arts creative director, 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 - a way of honouring that old tradition while creating a new memory for the people who come and walk with us.”

Established in 2017 as a multidisciplinary artist residency, Greywood Arts has expanded over the years to offer participatory educational and cultural experiences to the local community in East Cork. Samhain is complemented earlier in the calendar year by the May Sunday Festival which celebrates local creativity, history, and ecology at Bealtaine.

Further information about Samhain and Greywood Arts can be found at greywoodarts.org.