Blog

May Day at Gas Works

  • Post author:

May Day is an ancient holiday, dating back at least to the days of the Roman Republic, when it was celebrated as part of the Floralia celebration on April 27th. Obviously, they didn’t call it May Day back then, both because it wasn’t May and also because they spoke Latin. It can also be traced back to the Gaelic Beltane celebration, reaching back into the fog of pagan pre-history.

Here in Seattle, several groups of Morris dancers have been celebrating this ancient holiday in the chilly dawn hours at Gas Works Park. Kimberly writes:

Join the Sound and Fury Morris Dancers, NorthxNorthwest Morris, Misty City Morris, the Mossyback Morris Men and The Village Carolers in greeting the sunrise on May Morning (tomorrow, Tuesday, May 1st).

We’ll be celebrating the coming of Summer with Morris dancing and song at Gas Works Park. Dancing begins at 5:40 am and wraps up around 7 am. This is a free event. We recommend bringing a blanket because it starts out chilly.

Questions? Please email [email protected]

(Photo by Doug Plummer)

Discover more from Wallyhood

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Jordan

I started Wallyhood back in 2008, right when my son was born, because I realized I had lived in the neighborhood since 1993 and didn't really know my neighbors. I figured writing a blog about what was going on around me would be a good way to meet people and help other people do the same. As the years progressed, those neighbors have picked up the torch and it is now a group effort, which I adore. I moved out of Wallingford for a few years (2020 - 2025), but I'm back, now living with my wife, son and dog (Dillinger) up in Tangletown.