Beltane is a really fascinating flurry of dance, partial nudity (all very tasteful and significant in meaning of course) and general celebration. It's also a pyromaniac's dream, what with all the fire waving that goes on during the evening. I came along to Beltane for the first time last year, and had very little idea what to expect, well aside from the fact people would be swigging away at whatever potent mixture they could find, but this is of course, standard for any Scottish festivity. \n\nThe festival takes place on the striking and very scenic Calton Hill, so before the event even started, the atmosphere was set by the environment, and it got really exciting as the crowds started to build in anticipation of a bit of pagan revelry. The actual festival is a traditional procession, to welcome in the spring, and to celebrate the fertility of the earth. The procession really is something to see, and the beginning of the event, with the drum beats and obligatory lashings of fire, was truly striking. The procession then goes through various stages, of ritual dancing and celebration, which you follow round the hill, although I think it's easier to follow properly when you've been to the festival a few times, as I ended up getting a bit lost in the crowd. Clear some space for the 30th April, you'll enjoy it.
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