Gaelic Halloween and Family Fun at Highland Village

Visitors to the Highland Village Museum/An Clachan Gàidhealach in Iona, Victoria Co., can witness strange happenings and eerie incidents from Thursday, Oct. 26, to Saturday, Oct. 28.

The museum will celebrate Oidhche Shamhna, known in English as All Souls Eve or Halloween, with three nights of special programming.

Halloween marks the beginning of winter in Gaelic tradition, and the Gaels of Cape Breton have continued with customs brought to Nova Scotia from the Scottish Highlands and islands two centuries ago. To celebrate this night of seasonal change, Highland Village will hold Oidhche Mhór nam Bòcan -- The Great Night of Ghosts.

The museum will host torchlight tours through the village. Ghostly re-enactments from Cape Breton's Gaelic tradition will take place in each of the historic buildings.

The evening will conclude with storytelling and a céilidh in the Tuning Room. Guests will have the opportunity to tell their own stories, along with special storytellers, in a friendly Halloween atmosphere.

Traditional fuarag will be served. Eating the dish made of whipped cream and oatmeal on Halloween night is an ancient practice and well known throughout Gaelic Nova Scotia. Light refreshments and oatcakes will also be served.

Admission is $10 per adult or $20 per family (two adults and school-aged children). The Oidhche Mhór nam Bòcan tour can only accommodate a limited number of participants. To register call 902-725-2272 in advance.