Seattle Tacoma, WA, October 1, 2026 — A cultural exploration titled ‘SAMHAIN: THE BIRTH OF HALLOWEEN’ is gaining traction in the Seattle-Tacoma region. The program, which features a journey through Ireland, delves into the origins of the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain and traces its evolution into the contemporary holiday of Halloween.

The featured journey through Ireland is led by Michael Londra. This exploration aims to connect audiences with the historical roots of the traditions that have shaped modern Halloween celebrations. The core of the program focuses on Samhain, an ancient festival observed by the Celts. This period marked a significant transition, often seen as the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, a time of darkness and cold.

Samhain was a pivotal point in the Celtic calendar, celebrated around November 1st. It was a time when the boundaries between the world of the living and the world of the dead were believed to blur. This belief fostered traditions such as lighting bonfires and wearing costumes, intended to ward off or appease spirits. The festival also marked a crucial transition in the agricultural year, with significant preparations for the coming winter months.

The program examines how these ancient observances and beliefs have gradually transformed over centuries. It explores the influences and adaptations that led from the Celtic festival of Samhain to the widely recognized holiday of Halloween, celebrated annually on October 31st. The narrative highlights the enduring legacy of these ancient practices and their impact on modern cultural festivities.


Story summarized from the original created by Cascade PBS Staff on www.cascadepbs.org, see more information here.

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