Discover the Enchantment of Derry Halloween: Where the Worlds of Past and Present Collide in the City of Bones
In the heart of the Walled City of Derry, where cobbled streets echo the ancient celebrations of Samhain, the spirit of age-old traditions is alive and thriving. Each year, the Derry Halloween festival rekindles these legends, transforming the city into a mystical playground filled with illumination, aerial performance, pyrotechnics and music, bringing magic and mischief to the streets.
A Festival of Frights and Delights
Embark on a chilling adventure with our eclectic four-day Halloween Festival in Derry. From the haunting to the mesmerizing, it’s all crafted to awe and terrify:
Awakening the Walled City Trail
Four three nights take the magical journey through the City of Bones, as the spirits cross over to join the festivities, bringing magic and mischief to the streets.
- Heart of Samhain – Senses are stirred and taste buds tantalised as musical melodies hang in the cold night air. For days and nights, Guildhall Square and Waterloo Place will come alive with all manner of creepy ghosts and ghouls feasting on the sights, sounds and tastes of Halloween.
- Little Horrors: Keep the little ones entertained with fun shows, arts & crafts discos and Trick or Treat Trails!
- Tours & Trails: Traverse ancient burial grounds, haunted houses and Trick or Treat Trails, and discover tales of restless spirits and legendary phantoms.
- Freaky Family Fun: Unleash spine-tingling thrills with lots of events for all the family across the city.
A Carnival of Spectacular Proportions
The climax of our festivities, the Derry Halloween Carnival Parade, sweeps through the streets on Halloween night. Experience an explosion of colour and creativity as hundreds of performers don elaborate costumes, from fire-breathing dragons to animated caricatures, all moving to the beat of vibrant samba drums. This grand spectacle highlights the community spirit and artistic flair of Derry, showcasing the elaborate preparations by North West Carnival Initiative who spend months crafting their show-stopping performance.
Fireworks
The evening culminates in a breathtaking fireworks display, marking a spectacular close to another Samhain celebration.
