On Friday, May 1, the public is invited to gather at the dome at Ardantane for a Beltane (early May Day) celebration. Ardantane is a non-profit school and retreat center located a few miles south of Jemez Springs and north of Canon.

Beltane, or “Bel’s Fire,” is an ancient Celtic festival to honor the returning sun, life, and love. Many of our European ancestors celebrated by dancing the Maypole, twining colorful ribbons around it as women danced in one direction and men the other. They would also spend the night in the woods, in a leafy bower with their spouses or paramours.

The Ardantane event will not include leafy bowers, but may include singing , creating “May Gads” (flower bedecked wands), light dancing, and certainly a feast after the celebration.

Participants are invited to wear colorful clothing and bring a potluck dish or beverage to share. We will gather beginning about 6:00 pm, and start the program at 6:30. There is no fee for the event, although donations are always welcome.

In an effort to reduce Ardantane’s environmental impact, we ask that if you can, please bring your own feast gear: plate, bowl, cup, and flatware. This will reduce a lot of paper waste! Thank you!

Call Amber at 505-469-7777 if you have questions or need directions.