The Killaloe Festival of Lights
Let Darkness become Light
To keep up to date with the Festival of Light news click this link
The Killaloe Festival of Light occurs annually when the moon is absent (black/new moon) after the harvest full moon. It marks the end of Summer (light) and the arrival of Winter (darkness). Traditionally this would signify the end of the year (now the end of our financial year), a time to give thanks and a time to wish for a prosperous new year.
It is said to be the day when the veil between the two worlds is thinnest and hence a day to remember the dead. This important festival has now been replaced by Halloween, all saints day and all souls day but traditionally it should tie in with the lunar calendar (like Easter). It is the day when we must actively illuminate the earth. We must celebrate with music & festivities but most importantly with light (candles, fires etc).
Last year marked the first Killaloe Festival of Lights. This year we hope to get more businesses & members of the community involved to celebrate this cultural event.
The Plan so far
When: 26th October 2011
- 6pm: Masala Chai, sweet treats, collect & write messages on sky lanterns at Satmya 3 Royal Parade, Killaloe
- 6.45pm: Gather at the Green at the top of Main Street for the Lantern Procession
- 7pm: The lantern/candle procession will go down Main Street from the Green to the River car park (Between the Waters)
- 7.15pm: The procession will also go via the Cathedral graveyard which will be decorated with lanterns
- 7.30 – 8pm: The fire show
- 8pm: Launch Sky lanterns
To take part
- Make a lantern and join the procession from the Killaloe Green at 6.45pm – how to make a lantern
- Light a candle at any of the graveyards in Killaloe/Ballina
- Release a sky lantern in-between the waters or on the river walk (Ballina side) at approx. 8pm
- Light candles in your windows
- Show up on the night
- Be fire aware and remember safety first.
- (Do any or all of the above…)
Viewing points:
- The Bridge
- The river walk (in Ballina)
- The Cathedral
Lanterns available from Satmya (if buying/bringing your own – make sure they’re biodegradable) strictly first come first served basis
This is a commuity festival where people can come together to enjoy food, music, festivities, & light in all forms (candles, fires, etc). Perhaps this year you or your buiness will get involved…
To get some inspiration here are some links:
If you can’t make it for whatever reason – why not light a candle and remember that it is a day to give thanks for what you have and remember those that have passed on.
This is a small & simple community (not for profit) event held in Killaloe. We started the festival as we thought it was a beautiful tradition and one that we would like to bring to this area.
If you would like to volunteer for this festival please contact us on 061 622751 or email info@satmya.com. Jobs to be done – lantern procession, decorate cathedral graveyard with candles, musicians, fire show, donate jam jars, donate lighters, clean up, etc
