With pumpkins of all shapes and sizes on display throughout October, there's no doubt that Hallowe'en is on its way. 

But what is the significance of the festival for us here in Wales? Is there more to the tradition than ghosts and ghouls and trick or treating? Carys Eleri, the multi-talented performer from Tumble, is on a mission to find out in Calan Gaeaf Carys Eleri, a special programme that will air on S4C at 8pm on Hallowe'en, October 31.

Carys said: “I've always loved Hallowe'en because it's a celebration that marks the natural wonder of the earth, the real start of winter.

“We know how other countries around the world celebrate - Halloween is huge in America, with the extravagant parades of New York. Mexico celebrate the Day of the Dead. But what is our history here in Wales? So many of us have forgotten that Halloween is so much more than dressing up and carving pumpkins flat out.”

Carys embarks on a magical journey around Wales to "find out about all of our fabulous traditions" and to search for more mindful ways to mark the occasion.

"I meet people who are passionate about old Halloween customs as well as the new generation of witches, or sorcerers."

As well as visiting "Mr Halloween himself", the Neo-Pagan druid Kristoffer Hughes in Anglesey, Carys will dig through the archives of the University of Wales in Cardiff, visit the iron age village of Castell Henllys near Crymych, admire the landscape while learning about the legends of the Snowdonia National Park area and learn about Wales' connection to the constellations at Porth Trecastell.

Carys embraces the opportunity to jump into the true spirit of Halloween by engaging in spiritual rituals, unearthing links to the Mabinogion, making spells and dancing in a circle with a broomstick.

She said: "It's so important to keep telling these stories that are unique to us in Wales, before we lose them forever.

“Years ago this would be harvest, time to celebrate all the hard work throughout the year. It marks the end of the life cycle, things dying then starting again. And that's where the connection with the dead has come - something that has become scary by now.

“It is natural that we remember people who are no longer with us, like Mexico celebrates and remembers their ancestors. I thought we were bound to have something like that at some point. And we did!”.

To find out more about the old and new traditions associated with Hallowe'en, Carys begs: "Come and celebrate Halloween in Wales with me - if you're brave enough."