Jack O' Lantern Workshops - Kerry Homecoming

The Kerry Homecoming Festival at Halloween takes place from 18th October to 1st November 2024 as part of the Global Irish Festival Series.

Jack-O-Lantern Carving & Samhain Mask Making

Believe it, or not, the custom of pumpkin carving at Halloween; originated in Ireland, as this Irish Times article illustrates. In ancient times however, we did not have pumpkins and in fact the lanterns, to ward off spirits trapped between two worlds, Jack in particular, used to be carved from root vegetables such as turnips, sugar beets and even potatoes.

Throughout the Kerry Halloween Homecoming Festival, The Dingle Druid, Julie will be presenting Jack-O-Lantern carving workshops, using the traditional sugar beet. These will also include mask-making from natural materials. Workshops are free and all materials will be provided.

Or if you prefer a Samhain mask why not design your own carved face or Púca and create your natural mask using traditional techniques and natural materials.

Participants are also invited to bring their lanterns and masks along to any of the Samhain street spectacle events and become part of the cast.