Flora Day is held in Helston, where for hundreds of years, people have celebrated the end of winter and the arrival of spring. The houses and shops of the town are decorated with greenery and floral arrangements to mark the day.
The day begins early at 7am when the big bass drum strikes the first beat of the Early Morning Dance. The dancers enter selected houses and shops to drive out the darkness of winter and bring in the light of spring. Next at 8.30am the Hal an Tow pageant tells the history of Helston with the characters singing about the challenge of the Spanish Armada, the English patron saint, St. George and the fight between St Michael and the devil. Next at 9.40am is the Children's Dance, followed by the Midday Dance and finally the last dance at 5pm.
The Midday Dance also known as the Ancient Furry Dance is special to the museum as the dancers pass through our building. The festival is usually held on May 8th, unless that date falls on a Sunday or Monday, in which case the previous Saturday is taken.
26 авг 2024
