SWANSEA: Mariachi bands and fire performers as free Spooks in the City goes Day of the Dead

Swansea’s free Halloween party is back on Halloween itself, and this year it’s going Day of the Dead.

Spooks in the City takes over St David’s Place from 1pm to 6pm on Saturday 31 October, with mariachi bands, sugar skull decorating and fire performers.

Swansea Council says this year’s event is inspired by Día de los Muertos, the Mexican festival where families remember loved ones who have died, with traditional live music, dance, face painting and crafts.

What’s on at Spooks in the City 2026

Mariachi bands and walkabout characters will roam the square, alongside stilt walkers and performers in illuminated, larger-than-life costumes.

Swansea’s Circus Eruption will be out in the crowds, and the Caravan of Lost Souls brings acrobats, fire performers and circus artists.

Families can make shadow puppets with Tallulah Swirls, decorate sugar skulls with ILA-Wales, the Iberians & Latin Americans in Wales group, and try juggling, diablo and stilt walking with Organised Kaos.

There will also be traditional Latin American dance performances exploring the history of the festival and what it means.

On Halloween itself, and finishing earlier

Last year’s event ran from 3pm to 8pm on the Saturday before Halloween, with a family zone at St David’s Place and a “Dark Park” for older thrill-seekers at Amy Dillwyn Park.

This year it lands on 31 October itself and finishes at 6pm. The council says it is supported by Lepas Day’s Motor Group.

Cllr Andrew Williams, the council’s cabinet member for development, said the theme “offers an opportunity for people to experience and learn about a rich cultural tradition through music, dance, creativity and live entertainment”.

He added: “Events such as this play an important role in bringing people together, supporting our city centre and creating memorable experiences for residents and visitors alike.”

The £34 Singleton Park “scarefest” has vanished

Earlier this week the council warned that a website selling tickets of up to £34 for a Halloween “scarefest” in Singleton Park was a scam.

That website, halloweennightsfear.co.uk, has since disappeared, and the whole domain no longer works.

Anyone who paid for tickets should contact their bank or card provider and report it to Action Fraud.

Spooks in the City needs no ticket. The full programme is on the council’s Visit Swansea Bay website.