The Samhuinn Fire Festival welcomes winter
The Samhuinn Fire Festival is a modern reimagining of a Celtic traditions
- Published
Thousands of people gathered in Edinburgh's Holyrood Park on Halloween night to celebrate the annual Samhuinn Fire Festival.
The ancient Celtic tradition marks the end of the warmer months and the start of the winter season, retelling the tales of the turning wheel as the seasons change.
The battle between the summer and winter queens was brought to life by fire dancing, acrobatics, drumming and vibrant costumes.
It is the counterpart to the Beltane Fire Festival, which is held on 30 April.
More than 6,000 people attended the event at Holyrood Park
It is inspired by the Celtic tales of the turning of the wheel
The audience witnessed a reimagination of the battle between the summer and winter queens
The Cailleach, a Celtic goddess of the cold and winds watches over the battle to decide its fate
The Cailleach is said to determine the winter's length and harshness
It also shows the transition that many aspects of life embark on when seasons change
Despite the wind, the flames continued to burn, lighting up the park
The festival was revived in 1988
It is the sister event of the Beltane Fire Festival which is held on 30 April