Polish pals embrace Derry’s Hallowe’en spirt and are coming back for the eighth time

Eliot Von Feczko and Jerzy Feczko who now live in Donaghcloney, Co Down, first heard about Derry’s legendary Hallowe’en celebrations via Facebook, and nine years ago decided to check out the fun for themselves.

Eliot explained: “Hallowe’en in Poland is very different to the way it is celebrated in Northern Ireland. It is culturally a very different event, in Poland our local celebrations are about memories of people who are no longer with us, but in Derry it is all about fun and enjoyment.

“We first heard about Derry via Facebook and around nine years ago we decided to come and check it out for ourselves.

"We were so impressed that we decided to speak with the organisers and see how we could get more involved the following year. Since then, we have attended and taken part in the parade every year, apart from during the pandemic. We really love being part of something so special.”

Determined to turn heads as they take part in the parade Eliot and Jerzy’s costumes are truly bespoke. With over 20 years’ experience working with arts and crafts their costumes are all designed and hand-made by Eliot.

Jerzy explained: “This year the theme for our costumes is druids from Irish/Scandinavian folklore, with some modernisation. We try and have a different costume every year. All the ideas and inspiration are the result of Eliot’s imagination and she handmakes our costumes every year.

"She’s a very creative individual so she doesn’t like to copy anyone else’s ideas.

“It all depends on the individual costume, but each one can take up to 100 working hours as Eliot is making everything from scratch. All birds, feathers, flowers etc are hand stitched, she’s not using glue or any quick fix solutions. Our masks are handmade as well, built on real impressions of our faces so that they fit perfectly.

“We also use Eliot’s artwork to decorate our home, so it’s pretty much Halloween all year round,” added Jerzy.

With their costumes well in hand the friends are on the countdown to their favourite time of year.

Eliot added: “Derry is an amazing place at Hallowe’en, all the fabulous costumes, the performances, the parade… we really love the spirit and energy of the city at this time of year.

"Everyone gets really involved, so many people gathering together to create this spectacular event. We can’t wait to take part again this year.

"Give us a wave if you see us in the parade and have a great Halloween everyone,” she added.

The Derry Hallowe’en festival is led by Derry City and Strabane District Council, supported by Tourism Northern Ireland and The Executive Office, with additional support from Ulster University and Air Coach.

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