Our Story

Derry’s spiritual affinity with Halloween is steeped in Celtic tradition, and the celebration breathes life into the folklore as we present to you the characters and stories that have been passed down through the centuries by our ancestors.

The origins of today’s festival can be traced back to a small group of local people and a fancy dress party in the Castle Bar, which well and truly captured the imagination of the city. That concept has grown and evolved over the years to become the renowned celebration that it is today, attracting over 100,000 revellers from around the world.

The Derry Halloween programme runs over four days with a wide array of spellbinding events including ghoulish ghost tours, spooky story-telling, creepy arts and crafts and spine chilling haunted houses to get you in the mood.

For three nights the spirits arise to join the Awakening the Walled City Trail, a magical journey through the City of Bones where you will encounter the weird and the wonderful characters who bring Halloween to life including the infamous skeleton Walter DeBurgh!

The real highlight of the festival takes place on Hallowen night itself, when hundreds of performers take to the streets for the traditional Halloween carnival parade followed by a thrilling fireworks finale over the River Foyle. The parade captures the true essence of Halloween and the community spirit that makes this event so unique. Halloween has always belonged to the people of Derry, who plan their costumes for months in advance, and go to extraordinary lengths to stand out in the crowd.

So why not dust off your broomstick and come and join the celebrations this year in the City of Bones!