Highland Village Celebrates Gaelic Halloween

Prepare to be thrilled and chilled as the Highland Village Museum celebrates Oidhche Shamhna, a three-evening Halloween event to be held on Oct. 25-27 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Oidhche Shamhna, All Souls Eve or Halloween in English, marks the beginning of winter. Gaels in Cape Breton continue to celebrate the tradition of the seasonal change, which was brought to the island from the Scottish Highlands two centuries ago.

Highland Village will mark these nights with special activities titled Oidhche Mhór nam Bòcan (The Great Night of Ghosts). Visitors will be given tours by torchlight through the Highland Village site and its buildings. Each building will offer a re-enactment from Cape Breton's Gaelic tradition that will thrill and chill spectators with eerie incidents.

After the walk, visitors will be treated to light refreshments, a story and a céilidh in the Village Tuning Room with traditional fuarag, the ancient Gaelic art of telling fortunes.

Admission is $10 per individual. A $20 family rate for two adults and school-age children, is also available.

Space is limited. To pre-register, call Highland Village at (902) 725-2272. Ur beatha an Clachan.