Celtic culture comes alive at the annual Samhain Celtic New Year Festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, in the Spinning Room at the Willamette Heritage Center, 1313 Mill St. SE.

Samhain, pronounced “sow-in” (“ow” like in cow), is a Gaelic festival that marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter or the "darker half" of the year. It is traditionally recognized on November 1 and considered the Celtic New Year.

Salem nonprofit Céilí (said “kay-lee”) of the Valley Society celebrates the occasion with an immersive day of family-friendly experience, information and opportunity honoring the seven Celtic nations (Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Brittany, Galicia and Isle of Man), from live music and speakers, to workshops and educational, hands-on activities that are fun for the whole community.

The festival will open with a march through by Willamette Valley Pipes & Drums at 10:15 a.m. followed by a performance of the Sword Dance by Eric Chandler. Non-stop entertainment continues both inside and outside of the event.

So join us on October 19 to celebrate Celtic culture, heritage, music, food and more!