Did you say "trick or treat" or "help the poor"?

I wonder if there are any connections to any of the old English customs like wassailing or ......

What are Gloshans, McT?

This is the court of the Goloshan, the summer king with his retinue of performers, animal headed mummers and musicians. They claim Parliament Square as their own, transforming the space into a scene of merriment and rejoicing - not unlike after the Beltane procession reaches the bower!

Meanwhile, up near the Castle, the Cailleach and her own entourage gathers. This is a more sinister mob, bringing with them the dark energy of winter. With them is the Holly Lord, the Cailleach's consort and the winter aspect of the Green Man.

When the procession arrives at Parliament Square, the Cailleach's cohots run riot and break up festivities. The Holly Lord confronts the Goloshan and the two do battle with swords. The Goloshan is slain and the Holly Lord proclaimed victor. He then realises what he has done and bids the Cailleach to restore the fallen Goloshan, otherwise the continuity of the seasons will be broken. Following the resurrection of the Goloshan, there is much frenzied drumming and screaming as the Cailleach begins her reign and finally reveals her true self.

The Summer King will be supported by colourful and cheerful dancers, musicians and acrobats, dressed in bright yellows and greens to represent the freshness of summer, while the Winter King will have the support of the wild hunt – the dark forces who will overwhelm the Summer King – in the reenactment of the ancient Goloshan Play.

Drummers, hunters and stilt-walkers dressed as crows and wolves, among other predatory animals, will assist the Winter King during the battle of wooden sticks, while fire performers from both sides also take part in the battle.

The Cailleach, who embodies the Winter aspect, will wear a cloak throughout the procession, before an exciting unveiling at the end of the spectacle.

The event, which features a 150-strong cast, is organised by the Beltane Fire Society, who also hold celebrations on Calton Hill to mark the arrival of Spring.

Society spokeswoman Padmini Ray Murray said: "At the heart of Samhuinn is the battle between dark and light, and winter and summer. The story is the same from year to year and we know that Winter wins the battle, but there are different spins put on the narrative every year.


The festival is believed to be based on pagan celebrations which predate the Celtic culture. As well as the passing of seasons, it marks the night of the dead, when spirits of the departed pay their last visit to earth