Pagan events hold a special place in the hearts of practitioners of the faith. These events provide a sense of community, camaraderie, and the opportunity to connect with the divine. One of the closest pagan events to me is the annual Beltane celebration. Beltane is a fire festival that marks the arrival of summer. It is a time to honor the fertility of the earth and the abundance of nature. The event typically includes music, dancing, bonfires, and ritual ceremonies.
Watch the sun rise over the awe-inspiring Stonehenge
Using incredibly advanced geometry for their time, the Mayans managed to make the late afternoon sun cast a shadow over the steps only at this time of year. Using incredibly advanced geometry for their time, the Mayans managed to make the late afternoon sun cast a shadow over the steps only at this time of year.
The event typically includes music, dancing, bonfires, and ritual ceremonies. Another nearby pagan event is the Summer Solstice celebration. This event takes place on the longest day of the year and is a time to celebrate the sun and its life-giving power.
Alternative travel: 5 vibrant pagan festivals
From barbecues and candlelit dinners in flower-filled gardens to baffling but brilliant rituals, pagan festivals are an unconventional, joyous way of immersing yourself in a new world through travel.
Here is Booking.com’s pick of the best alternative festivals for 2017.
A shadow illusion is cast over Chichen Itza on the equinox
Spring & autumn equinox, March & September 2017
Chichen Itza, Mexico
The elaborate stone carvings and mighty structures of the ancient Mayan pyramids of Chichen Itza, are impressive whenever you visit. And though there’s no formal festival or event as such, on the vernal and autumnal equinox the sight is even more spectacular. Using incredibly advanced geometry for their time, the Mayans managed to make the late afternoon sun cast a shadow over the steps only at this time of year. This shadow creates the spectacular illusion of a serpent moving down the El Castillo pyramid.
Traditional Midsummer Eve celebrations in Falun
Midsummer (Litha) solstice, June 2017
Falun, Sweden
Midsummer is a major celebration in Sweden. On Midsummer eve, houses are decorated with garlands of flowers, maypoles go up for dancing, and smorgasbords of pickled herring, meatballs, and other Swedish specialties appear. Traditional, outdoor, communal gatherings can be found all over the verdant green region of Dalarna.
Watch the sun rise over the awe-inspiring Stonehenge
Summer solstice, June 2017
Stonehenge, UK
One of the world’s oldest archaeological sites, the prehistoric monoliths of Stonehenge are truly mind boggling. Especially when you consider that these 25-ton stones were transported from Wales with not so much as a horse and cart. On the longest day of the year, a pagan crowd ranging from academics to neo-Druids gathers to watch the sun rise over the monument in silence. As the sun peeps over the horizon, it casts a beam of light, which connects three significant stones of the henge.
Have your future foretold at Féile Draíochta in Dublin
Féile Draíochta, October 2017
Dublin, Ireland
A small, annual event in Dublin, Féile Draíochta bills itself as Ireland’s festival of magic and spirituality. A day festival including talks, workshops, exhibitions, and more, it’s a joyous celebration much like a traditional céilí - a Celtic gathering involving singing, dancing, and storytelling. And you can even have your future foretold by a Tarot reader.
Celebrate Imbolc at Gaia's Garden, Melbourne
Imbolc, July/August 2017
Melbourne, Australia
The festival of Imbolc, marking the beginning of spring, has Gaelic roots, but it has spread all the way to Australia. In Melbourne, a spiritual venue called Gaia's Garden in the Northcote neighbourhood hosts parties to celebrate Imbolc, along with various other pagan festivals. It’s run by the Goddess movement community, so offers a garden of ideas focused on gender and femininity. It’s an upbeat day devoted to creative workshops, readings, discussions, and sharing abundant food.
Midsummer is a major celebration in Sweden. On Midsummer eve, houses are decorated with garlands of flowers, maypoles go up for dancing, and smorgasbords of pickled herring, meatballs, and other Swedish specialties appear. Traditional, outdoor, communal gatherings can be found all over the verdant green region of Dalarna.
The celebration often includes outdoor rituals, feasts, and dancing. The Autumn Equinox, also known as Mabon, is another important pagan event in the area. It is a time to give thanks for the harvest and prepare for the decreasing sunlight of the coming winter. Activities at this event often include feasting, rituals, and the sharing of stories and wisdom. Finally, the Winter Solstice, also known as Yule, is a pagan event that celebrates the rebirth of the sun. It is a time to gather with loved ones, exchange gifts, and celebrate the return of light. These pagan events are not only opportunities for spiritual practice but also occasions for the pagan community to come together and support each other. They offer a sense of belonging and connection and serve as a reminder of the ancient traditions and customs that have been passed down through generations. The importance of these events should not be underestimated, as they play a vital role in keeping the pagan faith alive and thriving..
Reviews for "Join the pagan community at the nearest events"
1. Jane Smith - 2 stars - I was really excited to attend the closest pagan events, but I was left disappointed. The event was disorganized and lacked structure. The workshops were poorly planned, with presenters who didn't seem to be knowledgeable or passionate about their topics. The overall atmosphere felt forced and there was a lack of genuine connection among the participants. I left feeling like I hadn't learned anything new and had wasted my time.
2. Mark Johnson - 1 star - The closest pagan events were a complete letdown. The advertised lineup of speakers was promising, but the reality was far from that. The presentations were disorganized and lacked depth. It seemed like the organizers cared more about making a quick buck than creating a meaningful experience for the attendees. I wouldn't recommend this event to anyone looking for a genuine pagan gathering.
3. Sarah Thompson - 2 stars - I had high hopes for the closest pagan events, but unfortunately, they fell short of my expectations. The workshops were poorly organized and lacked substance. The event space was cramped and uncomfortable, and it was difficult to fully engage with the presentations due to the constant distractions. Overall, it felt like a missed opportunity for a truly enriching and enjoyable pagan experience. I wouldn't attend this event again in the future.
4. Michael Wilson - 1 star - I regretted attending the closest pagan events. The organizers seemed unprepared and the workshops were a disappointment. The lack of proper scheduling resulted in overlaps and confusion. There was no sense of community or togetherness among the attendees. It was clear that this event was poorly managed and lacked the magic and spirituality that should be at the core of pagan gatherings. Save your time and money and seek out better events elsewhere.