BELTANE 2026: the welcoming of the sun
Schedule
Sat, 02 May, 2026 at 04:00 pm
UTC-05:00Location
Railroad Room 7, 2211 Seminole Drive Southwest, Huntsville, AL, United States, Alabama 35805 | Huntsville, AL
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Our gift to the community to enjoy some uplifting togetherness, especially in light of the current climate of uncertainty and hardship.WHAT IS BELTANE?
Beltane is an ancient festival held in May, symbolizing the awakening of the sun's energies, to honor renewal and growth, and to celebrate the moving of livestock outside to higher pastures after the season of winter.
Historically, communities gathered around bonfires which were believed to purify and protect, and danced through the smoke to cleanse negative energies and invite prosperity.
The may pole, adorned with ribbons and flowers, symbolized unity and the weaving together of life's energies, welcoming abundance.
These activities promoted community well being and protection for the coming year.
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OUR GATHERING WILL BE IN THE FIELD AT THE WICKER MAN BURN SITE
If you're not sure where that is, make your way to Lowe Mill's iconic water tower, face the parkway, and look for the canopies in the field.
If you only want to be there for the fire ceremony and not the other activities, please be in the field at 7pm for that.
4pm: constructing simple flower crowns together to wear for the celebration, and decorating the sun wheel as a community
5pm: May pole dance
5:30pm: family style Beltane feast in the VIP area of our upcoming location in Railroad Room 7 (this is ticketed, and very limited due to space - the feast will help cover our costs to host the Beltane event, tickets will be online soon)
7pm: THE CEREMONY
The sacred fire will be brought to the field accompanied by drums to light the ceremonial torch
We will have a brief ceremony which allows each attendee to place their offering on the table, receive a well-wish, and to raise a toast of non-alcoholic meiwijn (maywine) in honor of the season to come, gratitude, an intention, an ancestor, or anything they may feel a connection with in that moment.
We will then move the offerings to the fire and light it, opening the evening for drumming, dancing, and socializing. The meadery will remain open until the fire has burned out and and the site has been cleaned up.
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WHAT TO BRING
- Some fresh flowers to add to the community pile so that we can all make a crown (if you are able)
- a camp chair, or rug, or fleece to sit on
- drinks and snacks or a picnic for yourself in case you get hungry, a few extras perhaps for those who are unable to bring any
- a 15 foot ribbon for the may pole *IMPORTANT: ribbons should be constructed of fabric and be 1-1.5" in width, please do not bring curling ribbon* we will have extra ribbons available (free) for those who need one
- a BURNABLE or POURABLE offering for the ceremonial table
- a drum or musical instrument for around the fire
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We welcome you to come dressed in garb or costume, some face paint will be provided for those who would like to adorn themselves with meaningful symbols. We do not recommend going barefoot in the field as there is gravel and debris under the grass in some areas.
This is a free event. This is not a religious ceremony. It is a community ceremony to honor aspects of nature and to celebrate togetherness. We encourage you to honor, perceive and receive that which speaks to you.
Beltane 2026 is an ALL INCLUSIVE event. This means it is FAMILY FRIENDLY and ALL are welcome to attend regardless of beliefs or spiritual path.
Ravenwood Meadery strives to create and maintain a safe space for all.
As always, we post updates and news in the DISCUSSION section of this event
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Where is it happening?
Railroad Room 7, 2211 Seminole Drive Southwest, Huntsville, AL, United States, Alabama 35805Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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