Halloween and Irish dancing are coming together this weekend as Comhaltas Luxembourg prepares for its annual Halloween Céilí at the Centre Culturel Cessange.
Taking place on Saturday, October 31st, the evening promises traditional Irish music, plenty of dancing and a chance to celebrate Halloween with friends and family.
Fancy dress is encouraged, although it's certainly not compulsory!
For anyone unfamiliar with the tradition, a céilí is a social gathering centred around traditional Irish group dancing.
Rather than performing complicated routines on your own, dancers work together in groups, moving through different formations, changing partners and following instructions from a caller.
And at Saturday's event, that caller will be Claire Fitzpatrick.
Speaking on the Sam Steen Show, Claire explained that she'll guide everyone through the dances, calling out the steps as they go.
The best part? You don't need any previous dancing experience.
Whether you know your way around a céilí or have two left feet, the emphasis is on joining in, meeting people and having a laugh rather than getting every step right.
As Claire explained, there's something particularly enjoyable about watching a room full of people throwing themselves into the dancing, even when things don't go entirely to plan.
Doors open at 7.30pm, with dancing expected to begin around 8pm.
The event will run for approximately two to two and a half hours, depending on how much energy everyone has left.
Admission is free for Comhaltas members, while non-members pay €10 at the door. There's no need to book in advance.
Families are welcome too, although Claire suggested that, given the evening timing and lively atmosphere, the event may be better suited to older children. Parents can decide whether younger children would enjoy it.
The Halloween Céilí is just one of the activities organised by Comhaltas Luxembourg, which promotes traditional Irish music and dancing in the Grand Duchy.
The group also runs Irish dancing classes on Sunday mornings at Top Squash, regular traditional music sessions and dedicated workshops for adults interested in learning céilí dancing.
Claire mentioned an upcoming adult workshop on Monday, November 2nd, offering two hours of instruction for anyone who would like to develop their dancing skills.
The organisation also welcomes musicians interested in playing traditional Irish music, whether they're experienced performers or just getting started.
More information about upcoming events, classes and music sessions is available through the Comhaltas Luxembourg website and social media channels.
Date: Saturday, October 31st, 2026
Venue: Centre Culturel Cessange, 1 Rue St Joseph, L-1838 Luxembourg
Doors: 19:30
Dancing begins: Approximately 20:00
Admission: Free for Comhaltas members / €10 for non-members
Dress code: Halloween fancy dress welcome
Booking: No advance booking required
More information: www.comhaltas.lu
So whether you're looking for a different kind of Halloween night out or simply fancy giving Irish dancing a go, head along to Cessange on Saturday evening.
You can also listen back to the full interview with Claire Fitzpatrick on the Sam Steen Show below.
