6 fire festivals from around the world that turn into real primitive orgy

2024 Author: Richard Flannagan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 23:55

At all times, people have been fascinated by fire. The flames still evoke a certain feeling of arousal. This is probably why fire festivals are so popular. This review describes 6 festivals, which sometimes turn into real primitive bacchanalia.

1. Viking Festival Up Helly Aa (Lerwick, Scotland)

Up helly aa is the largest fire festival in Europe since the 1880s. Local men spend countless hours reproducing detailed Viking costumes, constructing a replica of a Drakkar boat and preparing thousands of torches for a grand procession. On it, the inhabitants of Lerwick, in the Shetland Islands, every year fascinatingly talk about their medieval ancestors. On the last Tuesday in January, thousands of men screaming and beating drums carry the 10-meter long ship to the sea and then throw torches at it. This is how the bearded Scandinavians buried their warriors-heroes who fell in battle.

2. Devil burning (Antigua, Guatemala)

In the first week of December, in the Guatemalan city of Antigua, they begin to massively sell papier-mâché figurines of devils to be burned in bonfires. And on December 7, the main action takes place Quema del diablo - burning of a large wooden devil idol. This is how local residents are preparing for the important religious holiday of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary.

The tradition dates back to colonial times. Back then, the rich decorated their homes with lanterns, while the poor could only afford to burn garbage on the street. As time went on, the Antigua community formalized an event during which everything bad from the previous year was "burned" in order to start all over again next year.

3. Guy Fawkes Night (England)

The words “Remember, remember November 5th” is a refrain commonly associated with this fiery night across the UK. Scarecrows are burned, bonfires are blazing, fireworks explode in memory of the events of November 5, 1605. Arrested that day Guy Fawkes, a nobleman intending to blow up the House of Lords and the British King James I. The assassination attempt failed, and the day was officially declared a holiday.

4. Diwali (India)

Known as the "Festival of Lights" Diwali (Deepavali) is the main Hindu holiday. It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance and hope over despair. Although the preparation and running of the festival lasts five days, the main night coincides with the new moon of the Hindu month of Kartika (mid-October to mid-November). Then the Hindus dress up in their best clothes, light candles both inside and outside the house, and the whole family pray to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. The dark skies are lit with fireworks, and families exchange sweets and gifts.

5. Walpurgis Night (Europe)

Walpurgis Night (April 30) falls on the eve of the feast of Saint Walburga, abbess of the monastery in the 8th century. According to German folklore, on this night, witches, werewolves and the souls of the departed gather for a sabbath.

In each country, Walpurgis Night is celebrated in its own way. For example, Estonians dress up in themed outfits and roam the streets while Czechs burn straw witches and their brooms, Swedes sing songs around giant bonfires.

6. Beltane Fire Festival (Edinburgh, Scotland)

Inspired by Gaelic traditions, since 1988 the Scots have been holding a fire festival in Edinburgh on April 30. Nowadays, more than three hundred actors take part in the action. Bonfires are lit and, according to the ancient tradition, cows are led over the burning coals, "sanctifying" them. Surrounded by maids, the May Queen leads a drum procession of dancers, acrobats, jugglers with lights and spectators in honor of the fiery holiday of spring.

Fire shows are a sea of emotions and impressions, as well as a deep cultural and historical implication. Learn more about Diwali fire festival and Scottish Viking Festival, where modern barbarians gather.