Fire festival celebrating the height of Spring and the union of the God and Goddess. A celebration of fertility, passion, abundance, and the full bloom of spring.
When is Beltane?
- Beltane 2027: Saturday, May 1, 2027 (Northern Hemisphere)
- Beltane 2028: Monday, May 1, 2028 (Northern Hemisphere)
Beltane is a cross-quarter day, celebrated on the same date each year — often from sunset the evening before. In the Southern Hemisphere the seasons are reversed, so it is celebrated around November 1.
History of Beltane
Ancient Celtic fire festival marking the beginning of summer. Traditional time for couples to handfast and celebrate unions. Name comes from 'Bel-tene' meaning 'bright fire'.
Beltane traditions
- Maypole dancing
- Jumping the Beltane fire
- Making flower crowns
- Handfasting ceremonies
- Morris dancing
- May Queen and King coronation
- Gathering morning dew
- Blessing livestock and crops
How to celebrate Beltane today
- May Day Festival
- Flower Crown Workshop
- Community Fire Gathering
- Nature Walk
- May Queen and King Selection
- Community Feast
- Spring Fair
- Dawn Celebration
Beltane ritual ideas
- Maypole Dance Ritual
- Fire Jumping Ceremony
- Love Drawing Spell
- Fertility Blessing
- Union Ceremony
- May Morning Dew Collection
- Sacred Union Ritual
- Garden Blessing
Gods & goddesses of Beltane
- Green Man — Nature and Growth. Spirit of the woodlands and wild nature, representing the divine masculine in spring
- Flora — Flowers and Spring. Roman goddess of flowers, springtime, and youth
- Bel — Sun and Fire. Celtic deity of fire, associated with the bright fires of Beltane
- May Queen — Spring and Fertility. Representation of the Maiden aspect of the Triple Goddess