Halloween celebrations are old. Old, old, old. In fact, Samhain, the pagan religious festival from which modern Halloween derives, was celebrated by the ancient Celts far back in the annals of history. If these prehistoric past-times pique your interest, then there’s good news. This Saturday, 31 October, the Aquincum Museum of Celtic and Roman treasures in Óbuda is hosting its annual Samhain celebration with pumpkin carving, make our own magic flask, divination from apples, Celtic fire duals and much more. There’s something for kids and adults alike!
Every year, the Aquincum Museum transports visitors back in time to the days of the ancient Celts with their historic take on modern Halloween festivities. Classics we all recognise, like pumpkin carving, are listed on the day’s itinerary next to positively medieval activities like a guided tour by torchlight with a horse and carriage (in Hungarian).
The event is specially curated with children and adults
in mind. The kids’ activities kick off at 1pm, with gathering 'magic herbs' in
the archaeological park, pumpkin carving, making paper lanterns, designing headdresses, divination with apples, and so on.
Some events are only in Hungarian,
including Celtic tales of Samhain, and a guided tour through the Carved Stone
Collection, but everything else is run by a bilingual team, and many of the
activities can be enjoyed in any language. At 3.30pm, the carved pumpkins are
arranged in a beauty contest, so make sure your little ones stick around to
see who wins!
When 5pm rolls around, it’s time for the adults to enjoy the festivities. As dusk gathers, another 'magic herb' gathering takes place in the archaeological park, this time by electronic torchlight. A second round of pumpkin carving also commences, alongside other activities like make your own mask, make your own felt earring, make your own magic flask and divination from tea leaves.
Those who speak Hungarian will enjoy the Bloodcurdling Celtic tales with Csenge Virág Zalka, and at 7.30pm the Celtic fire duel kicks off for everyone to enjoy. The adults will have their own pumpkin-carving contest at 8.30pm, and at 9.15pm the Celtic fire ritual with sacrifices and fire-jumping by Szarvas Törzs wraps up the evening.
Aquincum is known for bringing history to life, with other events throughout the year inviting guests to watch gladitorial matches, dress up like Romans and learn about ancient Celtic traditions through dress-up and interactive activities.
The event takes place outdoors, so be sure to dress warm and get ready for a historic evening.
Aquincum Museum
District III. Szentendrei út 135
Information: online itinerary here
Admission: 1,300 HUF, discounted 650 HUF, family (2 adults, 2 children) 2,600 HUF. Arts and Crafts tickets 300 HUF.
