Gaelic for "November" and pronounced like "plowin'". We know it as Halloween, but once it was Samhain - the Celtic New Year. The Dark Half of the year begins, the veil between the worlds is at its thinnest. The Puca roams, the Banshee wails, the dead come back to settle scores. Come in tonight - we'll dance, we'll eat and drink, we'll make music against the darkness - and perhaps we'll have some visitors...

In ancient times, when the harvest was over, the weather turned cold and daylight began to wane, the people retreated to their solitary lives and welcomed in the new year.  Just as the World began in darkness, each year in turn began in darkness, according to the old ways.  In the absence of modern calendars, the Celts marked the passage of their year by observing holidays connected to the harvest, the phases of the moon and other natural phenomena.  Samhain was always the first full moon following the Fall Equinox.  One of the most significant days in the Celtic Year, Christianity in its ascendance was unable to obliterate the observance of Samhain; and following that practical maxim "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em", they renamed it "All Souls Eve" or "All Hallows Eve".

Each year, around Halloween, The Celtic Arts Center holds one of its major fundraising events to celebrate the ancient Celtic New Year.  Featuring non-stop music, dance, storytelling, food and drink, The Celtic Arts Center's Annual Samhain Fleadh Cheoil is not to be missed!

Volunteers are always welcome, and usually survive the ordeal!  Join us for a great time - as a volunteer or a visitor, and support Celtic language and culture while doing so.