In pictures: Samhuinn Fire Festival marks change of season

A performer in an elaborate horned costume carries flaming staffs. Spectators stand in the background watching the display in the dark.

Crowds gathered on Edinburgh's Calton Hill on Halloween night to celebrate the annual Samhuinn Fire Festival.

The ancient Celtic tradition marks the end of the warmer months and the start of the winter season.

Organisers said the "dramatic stand-off" between the summer and winter kings was brought to life by fire dancing, acrobatics, drumming and vibrant costumes.

It is the counterpart to the Beltane Fire Festival, which is held on 30 April.

Two costumed performers kneel facing each other on a grass. One performer reaches out while the other holds a flaming staff. Additional performers and a crowd of spectators are visible in the background.
A performer wearing a carved horned mask and dark costume stands behind a flaming staff during a nighttime fire festival. Bright flames and drifting smoke illuminate the mask and costume, while other torch-bearing participants are visible in the dimly lit background.
A procession of costumed performers carrying flaming torches walks at night overlooking a city. Participants wear theatrical robes, masks and face paint, while torchlight illuminates the group against the backdrop of city lights in the distance.
A performer wearing an ornate horned mask kneels beside a flaming torch during a nighttime fire festival. The figure is illuminated by firelight while a crowd of spectators watches from behind a barrier in the background.
A masked performer holds a double-ended flaming staff during a nighttime fire festival. Bright orange flames and smoke illuminate the costume and long-beaked mask, while the dark background is lit by scattered torches and firelight.
A performer wearing an elaborate horned mask and feathered costume twirls a flaming staff during a nighttime fire festival. Flames rise above the mask and from the staff, lighting the performer and nearby participants, while spectators watch from the darkness in the background.
A costumed fire performer wearing a horned mask raises a circular fire fan overhead during a nighttime festival. Multiple flames illuminate the performer and surrounding participants, while spectators and torchbearers stand in the background against the dark night sky.

Original source In pictures: Samhuinn Fire Festival marks change of season

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