By Kate Hodges
22nd October 2018
It’s a notion reflected in festivals around the world. The UK celebrates Samhain, South America The Day of the Dead, while most of the globe joins the huge Halloween party. We’ve tracked down free places to reflect and celebrate that are high on atmosphere, but low on plastic pumpkins:
V&A Museum
The V&A Museum’s ragingly popular Frida Kahlo exhibition provides a springboard for a one-night party celebrating Mexico’s Day of the Dead festival. Not only is this is a chance to find out the meaning behind the familiar, colourful imagery, and to explore the culture and heritage of the South American country, but also to spend deliciously illicit, after-hours time in one of the most fascinating museums in the UK. Find an altar dedicated to Frida, explore traditional crafts, listen to live mariachi music, and watch traditional Mexican dances at this free evening event that is best for older teenagers. November 2. More here
Standing Stones of Stenness
The pagans of Orkney meet yearly to mark the ritual of Samhain at the dramatic Standing Stones of Stenness – fragments have been carbon dated to 3100BC making it one of Britain’s oldest stone circles. Their quiet Samhain ritual honours and remembers those who have died, as well as acknowledging ancestors. They welcome participants, suggesting visitors take a speaking part or bring a reading or piece of music to share, but equally welcome observers. Everyone is welcome to share the group’s ale and honey-cake. Held 3pm on Sunday October 28, the humble ceremony contrasts with the heart-aching beauty of the islands in moving, life-affirming fashion. More here
Glastonbury
Glastonbury’s Wild Hunt is a spectacular procession with a deeply spiritual side. A colourful, character-filled carnival culminates in a fire lit on the Fairfield below the tor. It’s time to say farewell to the summer king and welcome back the winter ruler. Not only are there street performances from musicians and poets, but also a dramatic ritual theatre show. Everyone is encouraged to be part of the event; bring your own lanterns and make costumes. Each year, visitors write the names of loved ones who have died on pieces of paper. These are collected in wicker baskets and placed on the fire before it is lit, bringing those who have passed closer, and making them part of the ceremony. November 3 More here
Hill of Tara
The Mound of the Hostages is part of the archaeologically important Hill of Tara in County Meath, where gods lived, 142 kings are said to have reigned, and St Patrick is said to have come here to confront pagans. It is an ancient passage tomb, thought to contain up to 500 bodies. The chamber’s walls are inscribed with images of swirls and circles. Every Samhain and Imbolc sunrise, the dark depths are lit by the rays of the sun. You cannot enter the tomb – its entrance is barred by gates, but if you’re lucky with the weather you can peep inside to see the chamber illuminated. The spectacle is at its height on Samhain itself (this year it falls on November 1), but still visible for a few days each side of the date. More here
Sheffield Institute of the Arts
This well-loved part of Sheffield’s cultural fabric is a joy to visit and use at any time of the year. Make their Day of the Dead festival your excuse to visit. The Institute is teaming up with the Latin American community in the city to produce an event rich in cultural meaning as well as spectacle. Echoing the real Día de Muertos, an altar will be the centre of celebrations; filled with fruit, bread, food and decorated with marigolds, built to honour ancestors. There will also be musical performances, poetry, and an exhibition to place the party in context. More here
