The city of Derry, or Londonderry, is a story in itself. Its 400-year-old walls encircle the city lined with beautiful cobblestoned streets.
Many may not know that this Walled City is also home to one of the world’s best Halloween celebrations.
It is the “home of Halloween,” and during the spooky season, the town comes alive with a variety of events and traditions.
The second city of Northern Ireland, it, was described by USA Today as the “best Halloween destination in the world.”
And if it’s good enough for the Americans who embrace all things spooky on Halloween, then it must be doing something right.
The origin of Halloween was said to date back over 2,000 years to the ancient Celtics.
The Samhain is a pagan festival that marks the end of summer, the harvest season, and the beginning of winter, which, according to tradition, saw the ghosts of the dead return and walk the earth before a new year began for the Celts on November 1.
Today, the tradition of Halloween still runs strong, with bonfires and activities happening worldwide.
Londonderry, however, takes the celebration of the supernatural to another level and has remained very much alive in the nation.
The Halloween celebrations fuse the best of Londonderry and start at the 17th-century city walls that give the city the nickname of the Walled City.
It is the only intact walled city left in Northern Ireland, built to defend against the Vikings and Anglo-Normans.
The three-day Awakening of the Walls brings the ancient structures to life with art projections, spooky images reflected on the walls, and nearby parades.
Visitors can also enjoy hearing haunting stories and watching performances from local and international artists at the Awakening of the Walls, which is free for all.
The Carnival Parade is a must-see attraction and a grand spectacle on Halloween night.
It features hundreds of performers in elaborate costumes, fire-breathing dragons, and animated caricatures, providing a spooky feast for the eyes.
While all this goes on, a dazzling fireworks display sets the sky ablaze as visitors marvel at the sights along the River Foyle.
A Halloween party in there promises to be a spooky celebration you’ll never forget with direct flights to Derry Londonderry from London Heathrow Airport, London Stansted Airport and Manchester Airport.
