Lughnasadh Date in the current year: August 1, 2024

Lughnasadh is a summer harvest festival, that was very popular in Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man. However, in present-day history it's mostly observed in Ireland.

Lughnasadh is believed to have pagan origin and mentions about this festival were found in some of the early Irish literature. The festival is named after the god Lugh, god of sun. It involved many ceremonies, contests and feasting, some of them are preserved in present-day celebration of the harvest festival.

The most popular tradition of celebration of Lughnasadh, is the Reek Sunday pilgrimage at Croagh Patrick. Every year many towns in Ireland hold the Puck Fair in the early August. This fair has ancient origin, that can be traced to the 16th century. At the beginning of the fair, a wild goat is brought into the town and crowned “king”, and a local girl is crowned “queen”. During the next three days of the festival people enjoy traditional dancing and music, attend a cattle fair, market and arts and crafts workshops.