Our 2022 Samhuinn Fire Festival is fast approaching! And whether you are witnessing the festival in-person or virtually, there are many subtle (and not so subtle!) details that weave together to make a meaningful fire festival possible.

As our land changes and the wheel turns, we sat down with our 2022 Samhuinn Court to learn a bit more about the background of Samhuinn and the unique qualities of its upcoming characters.

Watch this year’s Cailleach, the symbolic Winter Crone from Celtic folklore, embodied this year by Alixandra Prybyla, introduce the Celtic New Year, its ritual significance, and some character background in hopes to help your Samhuinn evening shine a bit brighter.

Exploring Court Concepts: Our 2022 CaIlleach

The Cailleach is intentional. Bringing Winter upon humanity is something the Cailleach Goddess knows she must do.

It is not a choice so much as a duty. And if this honour was my duty, then I will do it.

Alixandra Prybyla, 2022 Cailleach

Photos copyright Iris Kyranou for Beltane Fire Society, an all-women photoshoot. All Rights Reserved. http://www.beltane.org / http://www.facebook.com/beltanefiresociety

Photos copyright Vanina Saint-Martin for Beltane Fire Society, an all-women photoshoot. All Rights Reserved. http://www.beltane.org / http://www.facebook.com/beltanefiresociety

Photos copyright Siri Juulia Pantzar for Beltane Fire Society, an all-women photoshoot. All Rights Reserved. http://www.beltane.org / http://www.facebook.com/beltanefiresociety

Who will the Cailleach Choose?

Samhuinn Fire Festival is a modern re-imagining of an ancient Celtic festival, marking the darkened end of summer and upcoming rise of winter. The story follows the overthrowing of Summer by Winter, with a dramatic stand-off between the Summer and Winter Kings. This is overseen by the Cailleach, a Celtic representation of the Goddess, or Divine Hag, who ultimately decides each King’s fate and ushers in the looming, colder months.

For Our Holyrood Park Performance

Registration for our 2022 Samhuinn Fire Festival has now closed as we are at capacity. For safety concerns, if you have not registered, please do not attend.

PLEASE BE WATCHFUL OF FAKE DONATIONS / EVENTS

Please do not trust any website that says you need to give your credit card details

All digital content will be available for free via our social media platforms with clear unambiguous links available for you to make a donation, separate to you attending the festival.