| Where: | Edinburgh at Calton Hill |
| When: | 30th April |
| Time: | 9 pm onwards |
The Beltane Fire held every 30th April on Calton Hill is a modern revival of the ancient festival of Beltane, which was one of the quarter-days marking the divisions of the Celtic year. A torchlit procession starting at the Acropolis National Monument is followed by fertility plays starring the Green Man of legend and the May Queen and her handmaidens. Performances take place at multiple focus points over the entire Calton Hill site.Expect rituals, dancing and acrobatics before the procession reaches the bonfire site; blessings are performed and the fire is lit. Crowds of thousands attend.
Helpful Hints
In 2026 it should be on Thursday 30th April and is often a sell-out- check link below for tickets (which are cheaper if bought well in advance).
In recent years it has become necessary to charge for tickets for the Beltane – every penny of the ticket cost goes towards the cost of staging the event, such as security, first aid, road closures and the clean up of Calton Hill post-event.
Click here for the event website : http://www.beltane.org/
Feature photo by Jasper Schwartz.
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