* Kids' Programming * Maypole * Morris Dancing * Music * Magical Merchants Faire * Bonfires * Feasting * Workshops * Drumming Circles * May Court * and MORE!
Featured Musicians and Presenters: Mami Wata
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Named in honor of the African mermaid Goddess "Mother of Waters", Mami Wata is a group of female drummers from Madison, WI whose music is rooted in West Africa and her diaspora. Playing traditional instruments in a folkloric "village style", the women of Mami Wata invite you to dance to intricately interwoven rhythms, and connect with ancient earthy grooves. Get your feet on the ground, give your heart to the fire, and let your spirit soar! |
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About Beltane:
Celebrating the Seasons: Beltane
Frequently Asked Questions about our 3-day festivals
Previous Beltane Events:
2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004
2014 BELTANE FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
Friday, May 2nd |
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| 11 am | Merchant Arrivals |
| Noon | Open for General Arrivals |
| Noon - 7 pm |
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| 3:30 pm | Workshops:
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| 5 pm | Dinner behind the Farmhouse |
| 6:15 pm | Unwrapping of the Maypole |
| 7 pm | Opening Ritualwith Selena, Bo and others |
| 8 pm | Mami Wata in Concert Named in honor of the African mermaid spirit, Mami Wata is a group of female drummers from Madison, WI who play music from West Africa and its diaspora. Mami Wata, our namesake, is venerated in many parts of Africa as the Mother of Waters. She is often depicted as a beautiful mermaid, complete with a tail, and is associated with rivers and all flowing waters. It is our hope that, in Her honor, our music may flow like Mami Wata's beautiful waves. |
Saturday, May 3rd |
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| 7 - 8:30 am | Breakfast in the Summer Kitchen |
| 8 am |
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| 9 am |
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| 10 am | May Court Selection & Crowning |
| 11 am | Oak Apple Morris Dancers |
| 12:30 pm | Potluck Lunch |
| 2 pm | Workshops:
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| 3:30 pm | Beltane Music - an Afro Celtic Experiencewith Laurie Blue Heron and Fiona of Mami Wata Do the drums call to your soul? Are you a musician? Do you love to sing? Whether you believe in More Cowbell or not, please join us as we put together the music we will play at the Beltane Ritual later today! Laurie Blue Heron will teach a simple West African rhythm and song that we will perform to gather the people in before the ritual begins. There will be parts for all levels of ability, and room left for individual creativity as well. Bring your own drum or rattle, clap your hands, or use the rhythm instruments provided. In the second half of this workshop period, we will learn the tune, lyrics and simple rhythm for the “Witches Reel”, an authentic and magical Celtic song perfect for Maypole dancing. There is a simple guitar part for this song as well. Attendance at this workshop does not commit you to performance later, nor do you have to attend the workshop to play with us during ritual. Beltane is a perfect time to make beautiful music together! Meet in the Temple Room. |
| 3:30 pm | Kids' Maypole Dancing Hear ye! Hear ye! I invite all those who are young and young at heart to come dance a maypole with us. There will be lots of laughter and chaotic fun with this one!! |
| 5 pm | Dinner behind the Farmhouse |
| 6:30 pm | Raffle Drawing in the Temple Room |
| 7 pm | Gate Closes for arrivals |
| 7:15 pm | Maypole Dance, Baby Blessing and Main Ritual followed by bonfire/drumming/dancing |
Sunday, May 4th |
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| 7 - 8:30 am | Breakfast in the Summer Kitchen |
| 8 am | Gate Opens for Arrivals |
| 10:30 am | Kids Workshop: Birding, Walk and Memory Book with Vanessa, Florence & Reed Birds and Beauty abound at Circle. Our resident birder and plant guru show us the beauty that is all around and the magic that can be found in our feathered friends and plants. Pictures will be taken of this so that the memories and all of the plants last forever. These pictures can be turned into a lovely memory book. |
| 10:30 am | Beginner's Genealogy with Brooke Have you ever been interested in tracing your roots? Explore some free and very simple ways of starting to research and constructing your family tree. |
| 11:30 AM | Door Hanging with Colleen |
| Noon | Lunch behind the Farmhouse |
| 1:30 pm | Closing Ritual |
| 3 pm | Final Departures |
ITEMS TO BRING
- Ritual garb and/or brightly colored clothes, as well as a crown of flowers or greens for your head or bells for your feet, to wear during the Beltane ritual. Faerie, elven, pixie and fantasy garb are encouraged throughout the weekend and especially for the Beltane ritual Saturday evening.(optional)
- Contribution for potluck feast to feed at least two dozen, for Saturday lunch. For details, please see our Potluck Guidelines.
- Your own cup to use for drinks at meals and other times.
- Camping Gear: tent, sleeping bag, pillow, air mattress, flashlight, water jug, towel, biodegradable soap and shampoo, personal toiletries, sungear, raingear, cold weather gear, insect and tick repellent.
- A lawn chair, mat, or blanket for outdoor seating. Many activities will be outside.
- One or more fresh flowers for the Flower Magic workshop and/or to leave at shrines & the cemetery (optional)
- An item for the Raffle and/or Silent Auction (optional)
- Drum, rattle, or other rhythm instrument. (optional)
- Chants, songs, or rhythms for late night drumming/dancing (optional)
- A stone to give away to the Stone Circle. (optional)
VENDORS:
If interested in vending, please register as usual, read the FAQ, and contact the Circle office: events@circlesanctuary.org
REGISTRATION
| Adults (each): | Until 4/16 | 4/17 - 4/30 |
| 3 Days | $100 | $110 |
| 2 Days | $80 | $90 |
| Sat. Only | $50 | $55 |
| Friday Night Concert Only | $15 | $20 |
| Children 5+ (each) | Until 4/16 | 4/17 - 4/30 |
| 3 Days | $40 | $40 |
| 2 Days | $35 | $35 |
| Sat. Only | $25 | $25 |
| Friday Night Concert Only | $5 | $5 |
Children under 5 are free.
Cancellations received before April 29th will be refunded minus 50% processing fee. Cancellations received on April 29th or later will not be refunded. Please refer to Circle's cancellation policy if you should need to cancel your event registration.
For more information, contact events@circlesanctuary.org or call the Circle office at (608) 924-2216.