This Irish City Throws Europe's Largest Halloween Bash-in the Holiday's Ancient Birthplace

"Derry Halloween is a four-day festival at the end of October each year that celebrates the ancient Irish festival of Samhain,"

"Derry Halloween is something you have to see to believe,"

"The whole city transforms, the streets, the walls, the people, and everyone throws themselves into the festivities... You'll find parades, light shows, music, fireworks, and thousands of people in costumes."

"My favorite aspect is the fireworks display on the last night, the 31st, which is preceded by the parade,"

Derry, Northern Ireland's second-largest city, transforms each late October for a four-day Halloween festival rooted in the Celtic Samhain tradition. The event evolved over about four decades from a pub fancy-dress gathering into a major international celebration. Festivities include a Carnival Parade that brings tens of thousands together in costume, large-scale fireworks finales on October 31, light shows, music, floats, and street performances. The parade is described as the beating heart of the festival, and the final-night fireworks illuminate city landmarks and the River Foyle, creating a dramatic communal climax.

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