Northern Ireland

Cuddle up and avoid 'apple bobbing' advice for Halloween

The tentacles of a sea monster burst through the windows at Ebrington Square as part of a "city dressing campign" in Derry to help Halloween trade. Picture by Martin McKeown
The tentacles of a sea monster burst through the windows at Ebrington Square as part of a "city dressing campign" in Derry to help Halloween trade. Picture by Martin McKeown The tentacles of a sea monster burst through the windows at Ebrington Square as part of a "city dressing campign" in Derry to help Halloween trade. Picture by Martin McKeown

DERRY mayor Brian Tierney has urged people to celebrate Halloween by "cuddling up" and watching spooky films to avoid the spread of Covid-19.

His advice follows calls from the Public Health Agency for people to avoid traditions such as bobbing for apples and trick or treating.

Mr Tierney, who is self-isolating, made his appeal as Derry prepares for the quietest Halloween in decades.

"The message this year is simply this: please celebrate safely at home. Find other ways of having fun – make costumes, bake Halloween treats, enjoy more traditional games, cuddle up and watch some spooky films,” he said.

He called on people to make full use of Derry's virtual programme of events which includes story-telling, music sessions and films.

"It's a celebration that we have made our own over the years and even the name Halloween has become synonymous with the city. So that’s why we have a particular responsibility to ensure this celebration does not come to be remembered as a time where we ignored the guidance and saw an increase in this virus or put the vulnerable at risk,” he said.

This year’s Púca Festival in Co Meath has also moved online. A spokeswoman for Fáilte Ireland said a `lighting of lantern' moment would take place on Saturday to mark the Samhain celebration. The three-day Púca carnival would be replaced with a pre-recorded torch-lit procession.