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Samhuinn Fire Festival, a Halloween Treat

We met a woman in a pub who said that in her day, which couldn’t have been more than 30 years ago, kids would have to perform a song, dance, or tell a joke in order to get a treat.

While we did not trick-or-treat ourselves, pass out candy, or (most sad) dress up this year, we DID witness the Samhuinn Fire Festival.

It tells the story of a battle between the Summer and Winter Kings. Each has his own court, complete with faeries, hags, demon-like spirits and other interesting characters. Spoiler alert: Winter wins.

It was quite fine street theater, so I’ll let it speak for itself through pictures/video links.

We got there an hour early before much besides rain. We got to see the performers get ready, in character!
We got to Parliament Square an hour early to get a great view of the main stage. We got to see the performers get ready, in character, and lots of interaction! These kitchen vermin actually fought with each other as they got into places for picture time.

samahuinn-2These guys in red paint and VERY little clothing ran by. One of them actually bit my finger! (Charlie?!)

Left: These guys entertained us as we waited for the rest of the court to march over from Edinburgh Castle down the Royal Mile to Parliament Square. Right: The Hag walked over and gave Jon a wooden treat as she whispered "Faeries do exist"
Left: These guys entertained us as we waited for the rest of the court to march over from Edinburgh Castle down the Royal Mile to Parliament Square. Right: The Hag walked over and gave Jon a wooden treat as she whispered “Faeries do exist”

Watch this faery do his awesome dance. He even did the worm at one point. Mind you it rained during the whole performance!.

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Summer King's entrance and court.
Summer King’s entrance and court.

 

These red people were covered in body paint, and not much else. They did acrobatics and kept a killer drum beat.
These red people were covered in body paint, and not much else. They did acrobatics and kept a killer drum beat.

samahuinn-8See the red people in their crazy action.

Left: Everyone is fighting. Yes, that is a woman with a real pumpkin on her head. Right: Summer King gets overthrown by Winter King.
Left: Everyone is fighting. Yes, that is a woman with a real pumpkin on her head. Right: Summer King gets overthrown by Winter King.

Watch as Winter King overthrows the Summer King.

There was fire dancing and the Cailleach, or Divine Hag, oversees the Winter King's reign.
There was fire dancing and the Cailleach, or Divine Hag, oversees the Winter King’s reign.

Fire dancing.

All the remaining creatures, faeries, etc. pay their respects to the Winter King.
All the remaining creatures, faeries, etc. pay their respects to the Winter King.

It did not stop raining throughout the festival, but that didn’t keep away the fire, dancing, or passion from ALL. A fantastic show by the Beltane Society. We overheard someone talk to a player during the set up. The performer was talking about just how much they love this dress—with multiple elaborate outfits in several colors, they take every chance they can to use them.

3 Comments

  1. red red

    So much energy! Thanks for sharing!

  2. Barbara Crowe Barbara Crowe

    What an amazing experience!! I need to see this!

    • YES! Highly recommended. Bring an umbrella and warm socks!

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