Understand
A guide to Hop Tu Naa celebrations and events across the Isle of Man
Overview
Hop Tu Naa, the traditional Celtic New Year celebrated on the Isle of Man on 31 October, marks the safe gathering of the harvest and preparation for winter. Unlike Halloween, children traditionally carve turnips instead of pumpkins, dress up, and sing about 'Jinnie the Witch' while collecting sweets. A variety of events, including pumpkin picking, lantern carving, spooky train rides, and museum activities, are scheduled across the north, south, east, and west of the island.
Key points
- Hop Tu Naa is celebrated on the Isle of Man on 31 October and is traditionally considered the Celtic New Year.
- Children celebrate by dressing up, carving turnips, knocking on doors, and singing about 'Jinnie the Witch'.
- Northern events include pumpkin picking in Jurby and Sulby, a superstition evening in Ramsey, and monster slime lessons at Curraghs Wildlife Park.
- Southern events feature traditional turnip lantern carving and a Tiny Turnip Festival in Cregneash, alongside a spooky maize maze in Ballabeg.
- Eastern activities include ghoulish games, spooky movies at the Manx Museum, and Hop Tu Naa train rides at Groudle Glen and Great Laxey Mine.
- Western events offer exploration of Peel Castle's mythical creatures and a 'Room on the Broom' day at the House of Manannan in Peel.