A Gathering of Souls

Presented by Galway City Council Night-Time Economy as part of the Gaillimh Ah-Boo! Home of Halloween Programme. Led by the Mexican Community in Galway.

Streets of Galway
Sunday, 1 November | 6:00pm
Free
Family Friendly
Accessible

When Traditions Meet

Long before borders, languages or religions connected our cultures, Ireland and Mexico had each developed profound tradition for honouring those who came before us.

Though separated by thousands of kilometres, Samhain, All Souls’ Day and Día de Muertos share a remarkable belief: that there are moments in the year when the connection between the living and those who have passed becomes especially meaningful. These traditions are not centred on fear. They are centred on remembrance.

They remind us that those who came before us continue to shape who we are, and that memory, love and community transcend time.

Rather than presenting one tradition alongside another, A Gathering of Souls creates a respectful cultural conversation between them. Drawing on the rich heritage of both Ireland and Mexico, the event brings together music, symbolism, storytelling, Mexican colour and tradition, and collective remembrance in a public experience.

For one evening, the streets of Galway become a place where two ancient traditions walk side by side from Ireland’s ancient Samhain heritage to Mexico’s vibrant Día de Muertos celebrating memory, community and our enduring connection to those who came before us.

A Gathering of Souls, is funded through the Galway City Council Night-Time Economy and Gaillimh Ah-Boo! Programme and the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport

Credit Joseph Padfield