In Celtic times, folks celebrated the last night of Autumn by gathering
around a communal fire and then carrying home embers from that fire
to rekindle each hearth in the village. Villagers carried the glowing
embers in hollowed gourds, which they adorned with decorations in
homage to Brigid, the goddess of the Hearth. From this rite of renewal
was born the enduring symbol of Halloween, the Jack-O-Lantern.

Today, the Villagers of the Halloween Parade still
take their coals from its communal fire,to rekindle
its spirit in their own hearths throughout the year.
Each improbable story, each other-worldly mask,
costume, and each spontaneous step of the
dance is an ember, a piece of the collective
made personal.

This year, the Village Halloween Parade pays
tribute to its origins-- the Ancient Celtic communal fire
in which it was forged-- and to the beloved
emissaries that carry forth its embers to
millions each year. The procession will be led
by a retinue of dancing Jack-O-Lantern and
Squash Blossom puppets bearing the communal fire
and its guardian spirit within a great pumpkin lantern,
ready to share the warmth of Brigid's fire.

Jeanne Fleming
Artistic and Producing Director