Discover the history behind Halloween through a personal journey. From the ancient Celtic Samhain festival to the global tradition we know today – come and hear a fascinating story about Halloween's origins and evolution through the ages.
Studieskolen invites award-winning author and journalist Brendan Killeen for an informative talk followed by a lively debate. Brendan has lived in Copenhagen for 20 years and now works in communications at the European Environment Agency while completing a collection of short stories. He shares his perspective on how Halloween originated over 2,000 years ago with the Celtic Samhain festival – marked on October 31st as a liminal moment between life and death – and how this Irish tradition became the global phenomenon we see today through films, television and social media.
The event explores key questions: How did the tradition shift from turnips to pumpkins as lanterns? How is Halloween celebrated today in Ireland, and how do the Danes celebrate it? Brendan also shares personal memories of Halloween in Dublin in the 1970s and his first experiences of the celebration in Denmark.
After the talk you will have the opportunity to ask questions and participate in discussion. You don't need to speak perfect English – just come, listen and share your thoughts. The debate takes place in English at a pace everyone can follow. At the end, a small taste of Irish Halloween awaits – there's nothing scary about it!
The event is led by Tara Klarlund Hogan, head of the English department. The debate is free but advance registration is required.
