Beltane is the Celtic May Day festival. It marks the midway point between the spring equinox and the summer solstice Its traditions date back into prehistory. The celebrations now held on Edinburgh’s Calton Hill however are modern re-interpretations of what might have taken place. They may be inspired by the folklore associated with the old Beltane; but this event is much more of a cultural one which blends the myths and drama from a range of world cultures.
In this photo-essay, the photographer, Thomas Haywood, has captured the spirit of the evening. His pictures can be purchased from his website.
The Revellers Gather at Dusk
The event now attracts thousands of people from around the World. Even some of the actors have travelled long distances to be in Edinburgh for this one night.
The Costumes help create the Atmosphere of the Evening
The main show starts at the Scottish National Monument, otherwise knows and Edinburgh’s Parthenon (and in older times, “Scotland’s Disgrace”, so named because it was never completed).
The Beltane Fires are Lit at the Parthenon on Calton Hill
The revellers are led by the May Queen in a procession around the hill. She is aided and abetted by a large number of “helpers” and guided by fire.
The May Queen makes her way around Calton Hill
The Beltane Fire Society is a charity run by a Board of volunteers who oversee the year-round operation of the organisation. The society is funded entirely by donations through its membership, from Beltane Fire Festival ticket sales and merchandising. We receive no donations from any public funds.
The Fires chase away the memories of the harsh winter
The modern Beltane Fire Festival was created in 1988. Today, the whole event is managed by the Beltane Fire Society, a charity run by volunteers. The Society’s stated aim was to create a sense of community, an appreciation of the cyclical nature of the seasons and a human connection to the environment – something that is often overlooked in our modern urban life.
Red Devils give the whole event a mischievous tone
The Society encourages every active member to take a role in its development and the events that it organises. Each year every position on the Board is available by vote and those positions are open to any member of the Society — all very democratic.
The whole event is a spectacular celebration of Spring
In keeping with celtic tradition, the history of the Festival is maintained mainly through storytelling. Beltane lore is held by the Blues, a respected group of the society’s ‘old hands’ who build the stories through their considerable experience in participation and involvement in the Beltane Fire Society.
Our thanks to Thomas Haywood for these excellent pictures.