The Samhuinn Fire Festival in Edinburgh is a modern reimagining of ancient Celtic traditions, marking the transition from summer to winter. Organised by the volunteer-run Beltane Fire Society, the festival blends ritual and spectacle, drawing thousands of spectators to witness fire performances, drumming, and a narrative battle between the Summer and Winter Kings overseen by the Cailleach, a Celtic earth goddess. While rooted in spirituality, the festival reflects a tension between sacred tradition and modern consumerism. Attendees range from spiritual seekers to tourists drawn by Edinburgh’s reputation for Halloween festivities. Many embrace New Age practices like "manifesting," blending self-help with ritual, while others come simply for the spectacle and creative costumes. Yet the blending of religion with tourism and entertainment shapes these events. Necessary regulations, fences, and food stalls highlight the festival's assimilation into consumerism. For long-time patrons, these changes signal a loss of authenticity, yet they reflect the realities of hosting large-scale events in a modern, transitory city.
The festival begins with performers leading a procession from the top of Arthur’s seat at the Samhuinn festival in Edinburgh on October 31. Attendees of the festival try and take videos and photos with their phones of the procession.
The view of Edinburgh from the bottom of Arthur’s seat, where the festival takes place each year.
Morgan poses for a portrait at the Samhuinn festival in Edinburgh on October 31. She is wearing a homemade plague doctor’s mask with horns.
A performer at the festival walks in a procession holding a lit torch. Fire plays an important role in the festival which celebrates the overthrowing of the Summer King by the Winter King.
Spectators at the festival gather to try and get the best view of the performance at the main stage located just under Arthur’s seat. The main stage was protected by fencing stopping people from getting too close to the performers and the fire which is a safety protocol that was introduced in 2024.
At the entrance to the festival, close to the Holyrood Parliament building, spectators get a burger at a burger van. Catering is a new addition to the event which has seen a rise in popularity in the last few years.
A safety person leads a procession of performers towards a performance area from the main stage at the festival.
Anna, from Sweden, poses for a portrait beside Arthur’s Seat while waiting for the festival performances to begin. She made her hat and costume specifically to attend the event.
Stephanie and her boyfriend pose for a photo while waiting for the event to start.
A performer performs with fire at the festival. The festival goers are protected by a fence, ensuring they are far enough from the performers.
A safety person walk between the crowds behind a fence and performers holding lit torches at the festival.
A crowd of spectators watch the final performance behind fences at the festival surrounded by safety people ensuring people stay behind the fences.
A performer in character bends over backwards and poses at the festival. Performers at the event are believers in pagan ritual and spend hours beforehand getting into character of the evening.
Dahlia poses for a portrait at the festival. She is from Manchester and traveled to Scotland for the event. She is Wiccan, a pagan religious sect, and said of the festival “you feel free, you don’t feel bound”.
