Samhain Festival, Here's How Halloween is Celebrated in Edinburgh

Among the most interesting things to do for the upcoming Halloween, we highlight an event that evokes ancient traditions. For the November 1st holiday, here's our suggestion: fly to Edinburgh. This Scottish city will be flooded with the celebrations of the ancient Samhain Festival. In this article, we explain what this ancient Celtic rite is and how it is celebrated each year.

This is an ancient Celtic celebration marking the arrival of the winter season, the counterpart to Beltane, the season of light, celebrated instead in May. During this time of year, in the past, in Scotland, it was customary to exchange the last livestock at market and stock up on food for the long winter; the pastures were moved, debts were settled, and the last fruits of the season were gathered; everything that remained in the fields was left to the Pùca, the wicked fairies. October 31st was the last day to wrap up all affairs before the arrival of the dark season. October 31st was the day of Samhain, the main moment of transition from one season to another. On this long day, when the Celtic New Year was celebrated, the veil between the world of the living and the dead grew thin, and it was possible to communicate with the beyond. On the night of Samhain, according to Celtic tradition, the barriers fell: the living and the dead could pass between the two realms. This was the opportune time to honor and host deceased ancestors. Foods and a few chairs were left in front of homes so that spirits could rest, and torches and lights were lit to signal the path and facilitate their journey back to the Afterlife. On the eve of the festival, all fires in homes were extinguished, and people gathered on hilltops where a great bonfire was prepared.

Everyone waited silently and in darkness for the fateful hour between seasons to pass, and then to ignite the sacred fire which was then used to light the household hearths. While the rest of the world celebrates Halloween with tricks and treats, the city of Edinburgh recalls the mystical New Year throughout the night of October 31st. From the heights of Edinburgh Castle, you can relive, on the night of witches, the modern representation of the ancient tradition, and among decorated floats and costumed people, experience the ancient cult of the dead.

The evening of celebrations will begin with the Great Parade featuring all the most important figures of the tradition, such as Valravyn, the summer dancer, and the Wild Hunt. Among people dressed in traditional costumes including the scary red men, don't miss the long and mystical procession that descends from the Castle to Holyrood, following the Royal Mile where the historical representation of the battle between summer and winter, of light against darkness, will be staged. You will encounter traditional figures from the representations, The Green Man, a symbol of light and summer, who will cede command to the Horned King, symbol of Winter, after an exhausting battle filled with fire, rituals, drums, and dark forces. And after fiery battles, enchanting dances, and torches lit in all the dark neighborhoods, follow the city's inhabitants who will continue to wander and celebrate for the arrival of the winter season through the city.