A EVENING OF REVELRY AND JOY ON HOLYROOD PARK FOR SAMHUINN FIRE FESTIVAL 2024
Last night, revellers of over 6000 gathered at Holyrood Park to take part in the annual Samhuinn Fire Festival, produced by Beltane Fire Society.
As part of an ancient Celtic tradition, the end of the warmer months were observed, and the winter season was welcomed, inspired by the Celtic tales of the turning of the wheel.
The epic battle between the Summer and Winter Queens unfolded as The Cailleach prepared for the transition into winter.
The festival took place at Holyrood Park in the centre of the city to watch the festivities, and brought together communities to welcome in the colder months. Despite the ever-growing wind, the flames still burned and set the park alight.
Jenny Bloom, Chair of Beltane Fire Society, said: “For thousands of witnesses, and our community of hundreds of dedicated volunteers, last night’s Samhuinn Fire Festival joyfully marked the change of the seasons.
“It’s never easy to say goodbye to the summer – but what better way to welcome the Scottish Winter than a night of crashing drums and clashing swords!”
The modern Samhuinn Fire Festival has been running since 1988 and is the autumn and winter counterpart to Beltane Fire Festival, which is held at Calton Hill on 30th April.
The events are immersive experiences, which involve modern re-imaginings of ancient Celtic festivals to mark the turning seasons, and the turning of the wheel.
The Beltane Fire Society is a charity run by volunteers, dedicated to marking the fire festivals of the ancient Celtic calendar and keeping traditional Scottish skills of street theatre, music and pageantry alive.
PICTURES: Crow Mackie, Dan Boyce, Daniel Cass Senior and Braven Davenport.
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