Féile na Bealtaine (Beltane Festival)

The Celtic year starts with Samhain at the beginning of November followed by Imbolc in February, Beltane in May and Lughnasadh in August. These are the main Celtic festivals and they fall half way between the more usual festivals celebrated in March, June, September and December. In Ireland, spring begins with Imbolc, summer begins with Beltane, Autumn with Lughnasadh and winter with Samhain. We celebrate festivals at all of these times here.

The Beltane Festival in Dingle/An Daingean goes on for a whole week with art exhibits, book launchings, poetry and of course music. There is a theme each year and this year it is the relationship between Dingle and Santiageo de Compostela. Dingle was one of the main starting points for pilgrims going to Compostela going back to the 16^th century. It is with great pleasure that the connection is being re-established this year with the sailing of the Tall Ship Jeanie Johnston on May 1^st. with 29 pilgrims plus crew.

The Jeanie Johnston is a replica of a well-known famine ship. Check out the link for a full description of the ship and its history. It is hoped that this trip will not be just a one-time affair but rather that the tradition of Dingle as a starting point for the pilgrimage will be re-established.

The Spanish Ambassador to Ireland, His Excellency Senor Jose de Carvajal Salido was present to cut the ribbon for a plaque commemorating the long tradition between Dingle and Santiago de Compostela.
Music for the opening event was provided by the Dingle Marching Band and by Mark Crickard and Maurice Mc Kenna.
There is an extensive program of events for the week including performers such as Aslan, Mary Black, David KittJodavino, Rojda & Her Band, Moya Brennan and many others.


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