The first look at an exciting programme of events for Ireland's new three-day Halloween festival, Púca was announced by Fáilte Ireland today, 30 July 2019.
Púca is a spectacular, fun and otherworldly new festival celebrating Ireland as the original birthplace of Halloween. Vibrant and contemporary in feel but strongly rooted in tradition, it will take place in three locations across Meath and Louth from 31 October - 2 November 2019.
The festival has been developed by Fáilte Ireland in partnership with Meath and Louth County Councils to claim ownership of this internationally celebrated event and to tell the story of Halloween's origins in Irish and Celtic traditions with a view to encouraging more international visitors to visit Ireland during October and November.
In its inaugural year, Ireland's Ancient East will play host to the newly established contemporary and inspiring Púca Festival which is designed to capture the original and authentic spirit of Samhain across three breath-taking nights of music, food, light and spectacle.
The festival programme can be found at www.pucafestival.com
Orla Carroll, Director Product Development in Fáilte Ireland said:
"Festivals play a key role in delivering brilliant visitor experiences and providing international visitors with a unique reason to choose a destination. That is why the development of tourism festivals is a key part of Fáilte Ireland's strategy to grow domestic and international visitors to Ireland, in particular to areas outside traditional tourism hotspots and peak times.
We are very excited to be launching Púca, bringing together some of the best music, food and art in the country at a time of year that is synonymous with fun and celebration. Púca brings together the most breathtaking elements of entertainment and history to create a festival that will be an unforgettable celebration of Ireland as the birthplace of Halloween."
"Our new festival, Púca, will deliver just that, with its distinctive programme of events that has something for everyone. We are excited to see Púca brought to life in October and are committed to developing it into a world class festival that positions Ireland as the home of Halloween internationally over the next number of years."
Ms. Jackie Maguire, Chief Executive, Meath County Council added:
"We are pleased to partner with Fáilte Ireland and Louth County Council to host the new Puca Halloween Festival. Celebrating the Boyne Valley as the home of Halloween and creating an international festival from the unique story of Samhain will place the Boyne Valley centre stage and develop and support the tourism economy of County Meath."
Commenting, Joan Martin, Chief Executive, Louth County Council said:
"Louth County Council is delighted to partner with Failte Ireland and Meath County Council for what promises to be a fantastic celebration of the Irish and Celtic Halloween traditions. We look forward to welcoming visitors and locals-alike to the many musical and cultural events being held in Drogheda, including Drogheda de:LUX, a music and light installation that draws inspiration from Irish Halloween folklore, which will be held in locations across Drogheda."
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