Samhuinn (Celtic New Year's Eve) Celebration of Light

A torchlit, interactive pageant led by drummers, storytellers, and fire dancers through the most dramatic sites among the 90 Celtic-inspired settings of giant standing stones in this 20-acre sanctuary

Torches, bale fires, and hundreds of luminaria will light the grounds of Columcille Megalith Park for the peaceful celebration of Celtic New Year's Eve (Samhuinn) at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2. This otherworldly event-presented at Columcille for more than 40 years-commemorates the last day of the year on the ancient Celtic calendar, now ingrained in Western culture as "All Hallows' Eve" (Halloween). In Celtic legend, this was the time when "the veil is thinnest" between the world that living humans presume to know and the unknown world into which their ancestors have passed.

Columcille's celebration features storytellers, drummers, and fire dancers, who will lead Samhuinn celebrants through an interactive pageant that recalls the plunge into "No Time" that the Celts embraced before the dawning of their new year.

Samhuinn at Columcille is, physically and spiritually, a "moving" procession that follows a meandering candle-lit path through a section of this 20-acre outdoor sanctuary. The path loops around the most prominent of the park's more than 90 Celtic-inspired upright stone settings, with stops for music, dancing, and chanting, themed on the power of elemental fire to beckon, illuminate, cleanse, and sustain life.

Admission is a suggested gate donation of $10 per adult ($5 for children), dedicated to the care of this nonprofit park. Sturdy shoes and small flashlights recommended; car-pooling appreciated (parking is limited); no pets or alcohol allowed. Cider and treats served by donation before and after the ceremony. Unique gemstones plus DVDs and books by/ and about the park's founder also available.

Columcille Megalith Park is located midway between Stroudsburg and Bangor, off Route 191. Turn on to Fox Gap Road at the "Kirkridge" lamppost sign, go one-half mile downhill, to turn left onto Quaker Plain Road. For more information, call (610) 588-1174; email [email protected]; see Facebook @ Columcillemegalithpark; or visit www.columcille.org

Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm.

Category: Arts | Performing Arts.

Sub-Categories:
Community | Parades,
Attractions | Attractions & Days Out.