Oie Voaldyn - The Manx May Fire Festival May 6th 2018

The Manx name for May Day is "Laa Boaldyn" and it is thought that the word Boaldyn derives from "boal" (wall) and "teine" (fire). In the old Manx calendar this day was celebrated on May 12 and was called Shenn Laa Boaldyn (Old May Day). Boaldyn, is known as 'Bealtaine' in Ireland and 'Bealltainn' in Scottish Gaelic, it marks the beginning of summer and is one of the four Gaelic seasonal festivals. In the Isle of Man (Mannin) the use of fire was one of a number of customs used at this time of year, to fend of witches and evil spirits.

On May 6th in the Manx town of Peel (Manx: Purt ny h-Inshey) Oie Voaldyn - The Manx May Fire Festival takes place. The programme of events are listed in the poster below: