Did you know Halloween, as we know it, has roots stretching back to the ancient
Celtic festival of Samhain? (That’s “sow-in”).
31 October marked the end of the harvest and the start of a mysterious “liminal” time when the boundary between worlds thinned, letting mischief-loving spirits – and maybe even a Fae (aka. fairy) or two – cross into ours.
To avoid any supernatural pranks, people would leave little treats outside to keep the spirits friendly.
This charming but slightly eerie practice is the foundation of the classic trick-or-treating tradition: offer treats to avoid any pesky “tricks”!
Get spooky, events in Hobart this Thurs 31 Oct
Samhain at the New Sydney
During Samhain the Celts would also wear costumes to disguise themselves and light bonfires as protection from spirits or fairies.
Head along to the New Syd for Samhain with Celtic music, storytelling, tarot card reading, celebratory drinks and snacks.
From 5pm – 10.30pm, details here.
Mrs Peterson’s Karaoké
Calling all hauntingly good talent and those who have been curiously keen to try out Mrs. Peterson’s karaoke – Halloween Karaoke is on at the Grand Poobah from 8pm.
There will be prizes for best costumes and eeriest performances (so no one will ever know your inner ghost is tone deaf).
Dust off your spookiest fit and prepare to unleash your inner spooky spirit.
From 8pm, Grand Poobah.
Chills & thrills
Head to the beloved State Cinema this Thursday as they celebrate twenty years of Shaun of The Dead!
Or, part of their Hitchcocktober, catch the original theatrical cut of Psycho by Alfred Hitchcock. 6.30pm: Psycho 8.00pm: Shaun of the Dead
Otherwise if you’re a real spook, head to what sounds like an incredibly freaky experience, the Theatre Royal’s Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror.
“F.W. Murnau’s timeless 1922 masterpiece, Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror, is widely regarded to be the first and best vampire film ever made and 102 years on. Join us on Halloween for a screening of this cinematic jewel with an original score performed live by composer and multi-instrumentalist, Edwin Montgomery. 7pm, Studio Theatre tickets here.
Day of the Dead Dance
Hanging Garden’s annual Dia de Muertos returns this week meaning it’s time to get your spooktacular dance moves out as DJ Don Juan plays all the best Reggaeton, Dancehall, Cumbia, and Corridos to keep those bones moving all night.
There will be complimentary face painting from 8-10 pm by artists, and don’t miss out on what many say are the best palomas around – try one and tell us what you think!
Free entry for Mexican passport holders; otherwise tickets are $30.
From 8pm – 12am, details here.
Ghost tour at Hobart Penitentiary,
(mini-ghost-friendly 👻)
Calling all little ghosts and ghouls!
Dress in your favourite Halloween costume and head along to tour through eerie tunnels and creepy corners at the Hobart Penitentiary. Perfect for young adventurers, this tour promises thrilling tales and a few (friendly) frights along the way.
Don’t miss out on this spooktacular experience, not to mention a trick-or-treat goody bag! Bookings essential, further details here.
Ok, now the treats!
Circle of Life Doughnut have brought their Pumpkin Spiced Cheesecake doughnuts back just in time for the Halloween – by popular demand!
Queens Fine Pastry is rolling out some festive treats this week, sneak in for their crowd-fave Jack-o’-Lantern doughnut.
To top it off, head to The Deck this Thursday where they will be serving up their Spooky Sour cocktail.
Get in before they disappear! 👻
A Midtown haunt with resident ghost
There is a story told in Midtown Hobart, about a popular haunt that has a resident ghost…
This particular haunt was built in the 1810’s
by Mark Solomon with the shop front added in the 1830’s.
Mark married Catherine Hannigan and together had two children, Rachel and Hannah. The marriage was tumultuous, and Catherine passed away in this building from “falling down the stairs.” Her husband Mark married a few weeks later; the first ever wedding in the Hobart Synagogue, (the oldest in Australia).
We sat down with Marina, the co-owner, who delved into the building’s history after moving in. She described feeling as though she was walking against a heavy wind when heading down the ramp into the basement, and occasionally, a floral perfume would drift through in unexpected places.
After a few years, the activity quieted down. “We know she’s around, and she knows we’re here. I guess we’ve just gotten comfortable over time. I think that’s why we don’t hear from her as much – she’s at peace. She knows we’re okay here, and we know she’s okay. It’s like a mutual respect for those who came before us.”
Get a sip of this story at Island Espresso and pay your respects to Catherine.