This is definitely a festival to put in your pilgrimage schedule if you are so lucky as to travel Ireland around Brigit's day. The Mid Kerry Biddy’s Day Festival!
If last year’s lineup is anything to go by, this is a rich time with much to learn and do. For instance:
Traditional Ukrainian Motanka Doll Crafting, Traditional Sugán Footstool Weaving, Biddy Costume Crafting, Story-telling workshop…
From their site:
In the heart of the mid-Kerry region, the annual Biddy's Day Festival emerges as a vibrant tapestry weaving together the threads of tradition, community, and the age-old craft-making skills that have defined Irish heritage. This year's festivities, set against the picturesque backdrop of Killorglin, promise a captivating journey into the heart of Irish folklore.
At the core of the Biddy's Day celebration is the timeless tradition of Biddy groups, a revered custom that sees these spirited emissaries don straw hats and carry Brídeóg dolls on visits to both rural and public houses. Their mission? To weave a protective spell against malevolent spirits, ensuring the well-being of both humans and animals in the year ahead. A visit from the Biddy, steeped in history and meaning, guarantees good fortune, fertility, and prosperity; a lack of visitation considered a profound oversight.
Held during the February Bank Holiday weekend, the Biddy's Day Festival has become a beacon, reigniting interest in a once-fading tradition.
No comments:
Post a Comment