Fort Amiel was transformed into a place of mystery and reflection on Saturday evening, December 13, as community members gathered for a Ghost and Traditional Beliefs Evening at the historic site.

Led by Fort Amiel Museum curator Louis Eksteen, the event explored ghostly legends associated with the fort, alongside broader cultural beliefs surrounding spirits and the supernatural.

Eksteen explained the different types of spirits, drawing on traditional beliefs that classify them into four categories: fire, air, water, and earth spirits. He also discussed premonitions and omens, highlighting how many cultures interpret signs and warnings from the spiritual world.

As Eksteen told ghostly tales, locals brought them to life by role-playing as ‘ghosts’, adding an eerie atmosphere to the historic surroundings. Their performance gave an insight to the people and events that preceded the town.

Eksteen further explored why ghosts are believed to haunt the earth, touching on ideas of unresolved trauma, protection of sacred spaces, and lingering spiritual energy. He also shared traditional methods believed to prevent ghostly apparitions and hauntings, including the importance of respecting ancestral spaces and engaging in spiritual cleansing practices.

Adding to the haunting mood of the night, Billy Villiers performed on the bagpipes, with the mournful sound echoing through the fort and enhancing the atmosphere of the storytelling.

The event highlighted Fort Amiel’s role as a historical landmark and as a space where stories, beliefs, and community heritage continue to be shared and preserved.

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