Last weekend, we held our Summer Solstice Festival and it really exceeded all of our expectations. When you plan things like this, you never really know how it will turn out, but we were all so passionate about what we were doing, that we knew no matter how many people came, that it would be a success.
In the end around 400 people attended our event, with the largest crowd present for the Solstice Ceremony and the performances that followed. The energy was amazing throughout the whole two days. There was a wonderful market on the first day, with over 20 stalls, plus lots of wonderful food sold as well.
The collective ran a bar, which sold, pine needle tea, turmeric tea, a selection of juices, beer and wine. As well as delicious vegan burgers. We did underestimate the amount of people that would attend and by the second day we had run out of alcohol (which is really not a bad thing at all).
The Sunday, started out slowly, with those who had stalls arriving early to set up and help create a very chilled atmosphere. I was there early and after setting up my stall , I had a very refreshing dip in the pool.
The land where we held the festival, had four different terraces. With lots of fruit, nut and olive trees. the top terrace was where the kids area and camping was.The second terrace, had a pool and main dance space and stage. The third terrace was the chill out are and the fourth was the healing area.
The highlight for me, was definitely the ceremony that we held. It was beautiful how we were able to incorporate Spanish, Nordic and Celtic traditions, whilst highlighting the similarities that they all have. Each group sang a Solstice song and then made an offering to the Solstice fire.
I led the Celtic group and asked everyone to make a pledge to the earth, a pledge that would create positive change within the world. As we focused on that pledge, I asked everyone in the ceremony to hum. That hum really united us all and the energy we created was amazing. I get goosebumps every time I think about it.
Afterwards we sang our Warrior song, which I wrote about in a post a few days back and then danced away the night, to the DJ's that came and played for us. The whole day for me, really represented what our collective is all about, connecting people and taking back responsibilty for our own lives, whilst creating our own independent infrastructures.
The next day was all about healing, with a drumming workshop, sound bath, shamanic journey and both Ecstatic dance and Biodanza. I took part in the drumming workshop which was great and also the Biodanza.
This was my first time to do a Biodanza workshop and although I didn't get to attend it all, the time I did attend was amazing. I loved the way in which we were encouraged to connect with others and also celebrate our connection to the earth true dance. This really resonated with me and I look forward to attending many more.
The whole festival, really re-energized me, it deepen my connection with the community and also with the earth. I had some really profound experiences, some with people whom I rarely knew and yet who I felt really could see who I was. Such is the power of coming together, to celebrate life and the earth, to celebrate all that we have achieved and what we still have to achieve.
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