Samhain Festival
The Samhain Festival (31 October – 1 November) is deeply rooted in Irish history and culture. Samhain is one of Ireland’s most ancient and significant celebrations. Marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, Samhain is a time when the boundary between the physical and spiritual worlds was believed to thin and allow crossing of the boundary. It is the precursor to modern-day Halloween, with traditions that include bonfires, storytelling, and ancient rituals.
Samhain is celebrated with vibrant festivals across Ireland, blending folklore with contemporary performances, art, and music. For ACM MM attendees visiting Ireland, Samhain offers a unique opportunity to explore the country’s cultural heritage while reflecting on how ancient traditions continue to influence modern digital culture, immersive technologies, and storytelling in fields like virtual reality, gaming, and artificial intelligence. Engaging with the festival provides an enriching cultural experience that complements the innovative spirit of the conference. We encourage you to extend your visit to 1 or 2 November and experience something unique. The Macnas parade will be in Dublin on 2 November. Find more information here.
