Festival body painting

If you like your holidays to have a touch of the unusual, Edinburgh is one of the best cities to head to. At any time of year, the city's rich history and penchant for the paranormal makes it one of the most exciting cities to get to know, but some times of year are even better than others if you enjoy taking in the more uncommon sights.

As the Scottish capital, Edinburgh isn't afraid to demonstrate its roots in ancient religions, with the city being rife with many Pagan relics and traces in its streets, on its hills and - very firmly - in its history. However, these threads of the city's personality are quiet for most of the year, until it comes the time for summer to begin, which is when one of the city's biggest and brightest festivals takes place.

Beltane is the Pagan festival that officially makes the beginning of the warmer months and, in Edinburgh, it is celebrated in style. The celebrations that take place are called the Beltane Fire Festival, and this occurs every year on April 30. Events begin on Edinburgh's famous Calton Hill and continue long into the night, with volunteer participants donning dramatic body paint in order to represent the elements and seasons as they clash and change for the coming of summer.

Beltane is an event for anyone, and has long since lost its religious connotations for many people. Although celebrated by many Pagans and Wiccans alike, absolutely everybody is welcome to join in the festivities, watch the massive volume of performances taking place, where performers stun crowds with impressive, dramatic displays, and enjoy the beginning of Edinburgh's better weather with more than 10,000 other visitors.

Later in the year, the celebration of Hallowe'en – Samhuinn - takes place. The festival celebrations involve a modern retelling of the classic light against dark tale, this time involving summer battling it out with winter. On Hallowe'en, participants in incredible costumes proceed down Edinburgh's famous Royal Mile, putting on the performance of a lifetime as the epic battle of summer against winter, with only one winner, takes place.

This fire festival is attended by thousands and a fantastic, highly unusual way in which to enjoy Hallowe'en - perfect for those who prefer not to attend parties or dress up themselves and wish to take in something new.

Once you arrive on your Edinburgh flights, there's plenty to see and do in Edinburgh, but the Beltane and Samhuinn Fire Festivals are definitely events that will stick out for years to come.

The information contained within this article is the opinion of the author and is intended purely for information and interest purposes only. It should not be used to make any decisions or take any actions. Any links are included for information purposes only.

Source : Articlesbase.com