The Montol Festival

Penzance England 16th 21st December

If “The Choosing of the Lord of Misrule”, “The Hill fort Beacon Ceremony or “The Chalking of the Mock” sounds intriguing to you, then the annual Montol Festival could be just your thing!

This revered ceremonial celebration dates back well into Cornish history.
The festival itself lasts for 6 days, however it’s on the last night that the serious action takes place! Otherwise known to the locals as “Montol Eve” the streets are brought alive by a parade of masked and costumed revellers that wind their way around the old darkened streets.

The procession stops down for musical performances, dancing and to pay homage to a number of old Cornish rituals that involve elaborate costumes and masks. Displays of “Guise Dancing” can be seen as wells as folk songs, carol singing and amazing displays of fire dancing.

This is a truly once in a life time experience for those interested in ye’ old customs and rituals, the Montol Festival is the original ‘Burning Man”

Penzance is approximately 120kms west of Plymouth and 500km south-west of London.