Life

The origins of Halloween and why Derry is today's scare-fest central

What started as a simple fancy-dress party has become one of the world's biggest parades, writes Sarah Marshall

Derry's Halloween festival will run from October 26 until November 3
Derry's Halloween festival will run from October 26 until November 3 Derry's Halloween festival will run from October 26 until November 3

SO OFTEN, America is credited with throwing the best Halloween parties, but Derry's annual spooktacular scare fest is a contender for that ghostly crown. Here's how it all started....

:: Pagan beginnings

More than 2,000 years ago, Celts celebrated the festival of Samhain on October 31, when the dead returned to Earth before the start of a new year. Druids would extinguish old fires and relight new ones. When Irish people emigrated to America in the 19th century following the Famine, Halloween grew in popularity in the US.

:: Derry's story

In 1985 pub landlord Brian Doherty decided to throw a Halloween party at his pub, Doherty's Bar, on Magazine Street. "People were looking for an opportunity to enjoy themselves," he recalls. "We got some posters done and had prizes for the best costumes.

"Nearly all the regulars and their friends, 50-60 people, arrived in fancy dress."

"Then in the middle of it all, there was a bomb scare and we had to evacuate the premises as quickly as possible, so everybody piled out of the bar on to the street."

:: Party on

Brian and his crew headed down to nearby Shipquay Street, known for its bars and nightclubs.

"Nobody was in fancy dress apart from ourselves, but when we arrived, everybody joined in the Halloween spirit and we had a great night's craic.

"The following year, nearly all the bars in the city centre put on their own entertainment. I can't say for certain we started the tradition but that memorable night in 1985, when everybody spilled out onto Shipquay Street, is now regarded as Derry's first Halloween parade."

:: Make it official

The following year, the city council got involved with the organisation of a Halloween carnival parade. The annual event now attracts thousands of visitors.

:: This year

Derry's Halloween festival will run from October 26 until November 3, with more than 100 events in more than 40 venues, culminating in a fireworks display by the River Foyle.

:: For more info see derryhalloween.com