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Beltane

Beltane marks the halfway point between spring and summer - a time of celebration, fertility, and new beginnings. Let's welcome the warmer days with joy!

Saturday

May 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEMay 1

OBSERVED INScotland

CATEGORYReligion

SUBCATEGORYOther Religion

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to celebrate the ancient Celtic festival of Beltane on May 1! This holiday has been observed for centuries as a celebration of spring, fertility, and new beginnings. It is believed that on this day, the veil between the physical and spiritual world is thin, allowing for increased communication with spirits and ancestors. Traditionally, people would light bonfires and dance around maypoles to welcome the warm weather and abundance of crops. Today, Beltane is still celebrated by many pagans and Wiccans as an important holiday in their calendar. So join in on the festivities and embrace the magic of Beltane!

TIMELINE

Beltane Timeline

Origination

First documented observance of Beltane rituals by Celtic clans in Scotland and Ireland, marking the beginning of summer.

Christian Adaption

Beltane customs get adapted into Christian practices and celebrations, giving birth to May Day.

Decline in Observance

Due to the increasing influence of the Church and industrialization, traditional Beltane rituals begin to decline in Europe.

Modern Paganism Resurgence

With the resurgence of modern Paganism and Wicca, Beltane celebrations experience a renaissance in parts of the Western world.

Public Beltane Fire Festival

The first public Beltane Fire Festival is held in Edinburgh, Scotland, becoming an annual cultural event attended by thousands.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Beltane

Dance around a Maypole

Gather your friends and family and dance around a traditional Maypole to celebrate the arrival of spring. You can even make your own Maypole using ribbons, flowers, and a wooden pole.

CREATE

Create a Beltane altar

Set up a special altar in your home or garden to honor the changing of the seasons. Decorate it with flowers, herbs, and other symbols of spring and new beginnings.

HAVE

Have a bonfire

Light a bonfire in your backyard or at a local park to honor the fire element and bring warmth and light into your celebrations. You can also use the fire to burn away any negative energy or old habits you want to let go of.

PLANT

Plant a garden

Beltane is a time of fertility and growth, making it the perfect time to plant new seeds and tend to your garden. You can also use this as an opportunity to connect with nature and the earth.

MAKE

Make a May Day basket

In many cultures, May Day is celebrated by leaving small baskets of flowers or treats on the doorsteps of loved ones. Get creative and make your own May Day basket to give to someone special in your life.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Beltane

It brings people together

Beltane is a holiday that has been celebrated by communities for centuries, and it continues to bring people together today. Whether it's through traditional rituals or modern celebrations, Beltane is a time for connection and coming together with loved ones.

It's a celebration of spring and fertility

Beltane, also known as May Day, marks the midpoint between the spring equinox and the summer solstice. It celebrates the return of warmer weather and the fertility of the earth. And who doesn't love flowers, dancing around maypoles, and other traditional Beltane festivities?

It's a time for growth and renewal

Just like how plants and flowers start to grow and bloom during springtime, Beltane represents personal growth and renewal. It's a chance to reflect on ourselves, let go of old habits or grudges, and embrace new beginnings.