We've called it one of the most dazzling fire festivals in the world (and a stunning alternative to Burning Man ) for a reason. Each year on April 30, Edinburgh, Scotland's Beltane Fire Festival  celebrates the death of winter, the birth of summer, and the fertility of the land by casting off the darkness and welcoming the light. The ancient tradition comes to life in a flurry of costumed and participatory performances, music, fire, pyrotechnics and even a bit of naked dancing, making it one of the most magical nights of the year.

Because the changing of the seasons was a big deal to the pastoral Celtic peoples, the start of summer meant a time of light and growth to come. The presence of fire was seen as a purifier and healer and would have been walked around and danced/jumped over by the members of the community. The celebration also included baking Beltane bannocks, displaying fresh greenery and handfasting (which could be viewed as a temporary or permanent marriage, as the individuals preferred). After all, the festival would also have been a time of courtship rituals and a celebration of our own fertility!

One of the most important parts of the Beltane celebration is the lighting of the Beltane fires. The May Queen and the Green Man, essentially the figureheads of the festival's procession and cast of characters, spark the birth of summer by lighting a huge bonfire. After dancing and consuming warming food and drinks, the boundaries between performers and audience then fades and the festival, performers, music and audience drift off into the night.

The bonfires represent the growing power of the sun through to midsummer. As is the nature of spring festivals celebrating abundance and earthly delights, the Beltane Fire Festival does include some folks who would prefer to experience the evening without clothes. If you are threatened by the temptation, duck into the bower with your sweetie and strengthen the bonds of your relationship by being handfasted. It won’t hurt.

Pulsating drums are the heartbeat of this fully immersive and volunteer-run fire festival that takes place outdoors under the cloak of night on Calton Hill, where attendees come face-to-face with a cacophony of colorful characters and are invited to take part in the welcoming of spring.