Elisabeth Course Ecological and Environmental Sciences Year Fourth Been a caller for 2018-2020 Image Throughout the four calling campaigns I took part in for the University, I spoke to many alumni with whom I had wonderful conversations. On several occasions, I spoke to alumni who had loved studying in Edinburgh and were very active members of the city. One specific conversation has had a strong impact in my own life. This conversation took place two years ago, with an alum who was particularly chatty. After a long and enjoyable conversation about our different experiences as students at UoE, I was reluctant to hang up. I therefore asked a last question to prolong the lovely exchange, “If there was one thing you would recommend me to do before graduating, what would it be?” Without any hesitation, the alum answered I should go to Beltane Fire Festival. Having never heard of the event, I was highly intrigued. I was then told all about the traditional Celtic ritual that takes place on Calton Hill every 30th of April, to celebrate the arrival of summer. Surely enough, a few months later, I made my way up Calton Hill with a good friend of mine to witness the festival. Having thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere and performances, we decided we would one day take part in its organization. Being a fourth and final year student, I decided this was the time to get involved. Because of the COVID19 pandemic, many of my usual activities, such as university societies’ socials and social gatherings are not taking place. I therefore reached out to Beltane Fire Festival organizers and joined a group of performers for the autumn 2020 edition of the festival. The activities encompassed by the organization, in some ways replaced my usual occupations, and allowed me to move out of my comfort zone, while learning about Celtic traditions, fire and meeting amazing people. Elisabeth November 2020 This article was published on 2024-10-29
