AN EVENING OF REVELRY AND CELEBRATION ON CALTON HILL
Last night, revellers of 4700 gathered at Holyrood Park to take part in the annual Samhuinn Fire Festival, produced by Beltane Fire Society.
The festival brought to life the struggle between Summer and Winter in a night filled with drumming, dance, fire theatre, and a host of otherworldly characters.
At the heart of the celebration stood the Cailleach, the divine Crone, guiding audiences through reflection and transformation.
Her presence, alongside the deer and the battling Summer and Winter Courts, embodied this year’s theme of radical connection: the courage to face darkness, the strength found in community, and the wisdom of perspective.
Despite an initial spattering of rain, the wet weather staved off, and brought on an evening of fire, celebration and passion for the start of the darker season.
Jenny Bloom, Chair of Beltane Fire Society, said: “Another incredible Samhuinn! As the Cailleach ushers in winter, we carry her wisdom and strength into the dark months ahead.
“Thank you to our amazing volunteers and witnesses for an unforgettable night. See you at Beltane!”
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:
Bleu Hope, Cass Senior, Ana Fridrichova, Zhi Kang Chua, James Armandary and Nicholas Feathers.
