Happy Halloween!!!.... or shall I say Killieween!?!
Yes, it's that time of year again where we indulge in many tricks and treats, however, the spookiest of them all is Kilmarnock celebrating Halloween on a completely different date to the rest of the world!
It's completely true, the 31st of October and "Halloween" means "hee haw" for Killie citizens. You'll find no trick or treaters, no spooky decorations and not even one ghastly ghoul (well, most of the time anyway). Whilst the whole world are hanging out with witches, zombies and vampires. Kilmarnock is already putting up Christmas trees and the only scary thing you'll find is the ghastly smell of rotting pumpkins.
"Killieween" is where it's at and in this special post, I will uncover the origins of this local phenomenon and inform of the many spine-tingling attractions on offer this year in Kilmarnock for people of all ages to enjoy.
Killieween Explained.
In Kilmarnock, the festivities of Halloween are actually celebrated on the last Friday in October each year as opposed to the usual 31st October.
Why?
Well, no-one knows really to be honest, but there are numerous theories which have been proposed as to why Kilmarnock take a different spin on the tradition, for example:
- It stems from the ancient Gaelic festival of "Samhain", which is one of the key influences towards modern-day Halloween celebrations.
- It is linked to the classic Halloween folklore involving witches, where, apparently, local witches used to carry out evil sorcery on the cows of Kilmarnock. Hence, the Baron of Marnock decided to burn witches on the same day as taking cows to the market, which so happened to be on the last Friday of October.
- However, the most familiar reason as to why we celebrate on the last Friday of October revolves around the town's prominent industrial past. The town used to be a treasure trove in manufacturing with shoes, carpets and even a globally renowned whisky brand originating from here. With this comes plenty of prosperity which, back in the day, was acquired on the last Friday of the month; "Payday".
- Killie Kids "put two and two together" and understood that this would mean more opportunity to find themselves obtaining even more sweets and other treats than would be possible the following week on the 31st October. And so became the tradition of "guising" up to a week early.
Whether it's about acquiring extra goodies or burning witches at the stake, the main idea is that Kilmarnock is the place to be to celebrate spooky season. Only here can you have the most fun and not need to encounter the terrifying reality of having school or work the next day and only here can citizens go trick or treating twice, yes TWICE, (but only if you're strong enough to brave the "sugar coma").
So, if you are going to celebrate Halloween, do it the Killie way and here's how to do it this year:
What's on offer - Family Fun:
As mentioned in my Dean Park post (go check it out if you haven't done so already), this weekend, they are holding THE FAWKES FESTIVAL!!!
This fireworks and lightshow spectacular offers an exciting and mesmerizing way to experience Halloween and Guy Fawkes on the very same night.
Come along on the 29th (and 31st October) to experience pre-show entertainment, funfair rides, and delicious food and drink against the gorgeous backdrop of this historical castle
For more information and where to buy tickets, click here: https://www.fawkesfestival.com/events/halloween-firework-spooktacular-dean-castle-country-park/
Take A Bow, popular Kilmarnock performing arts and community centre, has plenty of events occurring this weekend, catered to providing families plenty of spooky fun.
On the 27th October, they are holding a Tots Halloween Party from 10am-12pm and another at 12.30pm-2.30pm with an additional date on Monday 30th (9.30am - 11.30am).
Alongside free snacks and juice, the little ones will have plenty of opportunity to play games, create Halloween crafts and have fun with party dances.
Additionally, on the 27th October from 6pm to 8pm, they are holding a "Halloween Hootenanny" for the bigger kids ( from Primary 1 to Primary 7) with games, crafts and a bouncy castle (snacks and drinks also provided).
For more information and where to find tickets, click here: https://bookwhen.com/tabevents#focus=ev-somu-20231027180000
What's on offer - Adults only:
Who said kids can only have fun on halloween?
Kilmarnock town centre will be rampant with "Jokers" and "Harley Quinns" on Killieween, all heading into the many pubs who are holding specialised Killieween events.
Plenty of pubs such as The First Edition, The Standing Man and The Urbanist will be decked out in gruesome decorations , scarily good discounts and creepy custom cocktails.
There will be well renowned DJ's with some "banging" tunes and most importantly, prizes for best dressed!!!! so get your thinking caps on A.S.A.P.
These events are mega popular on Killieween, so I'd advise you book tables in advance or arrive fairly early (beware, you may stick out like a sore thumb if you do this). It's all worth it though!
For more information: https://www.facebook.com/FirstEditionKilmarnock1
For those who are looking for something less "hyper" and more "chilled", whilst still embracing the spirit of Killieween. Fanny By Gaslight, a long-standing pub institution of Kilmarnock are holding a gig to celebrate Killieween featuring Ayrshire group, Big Licks, performing some legendary rock hits from AC/DC, Thin Lizzy, etc.
More information found here: https://allevents.in/kilmarnock/big-licks-fannys-kiliween-show/200024000338002
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