The Chester Midsummer Watch Parade began in 1498. At every Summer Solstice, Cestrians would march through the streets carrying torches and wearing costumes during years when the famous Chester Mystery Plays were not performed. A similar practise was performed every midwinter. Despite the cancellation of the plays in 1575, the parade continued for every year until 1675 (except for 1599, when the Mayor Henry Hardware ordered them banned and the costumes destroyed. Illumination of Earth by Sun on the day of summer solstice on northern hemisphere The summer solstice is an astronomical term regarding the position of the Sun in relation to the celestial equator. ... This article is about Chester in England. ... The Chester Mystery Plays are a cycle of mystery plays from the 14th century, and the most complete set of such plays in existence. ...
The most famous part of the performance was the family of giants; massive pasteboard models of people carried by several performers. Other attractions included the dragon of Hell, the fools and the massive mounts, a precursor to modern floats. The most famous was the 'Merchant's Mount', a pirate ship.
Modern Day
The parade generally takes place on the Saturday closest to Midsummer and travels from the Cathedral, down Watergate street, along the ring road, and then up a steep, narrow backstreet (always a challenge for the heavy floats!) called 'Whitefriars' which leads to Bridge street, and on to the Town Hall, where the parade ends with juggling, fire breathing and dancing.
The most famous attractions are a recreated family of giants and replica of the Merchant's Mount, as well as the Devil and Angel puppets and the flocks of 'swans', from 'Saint Werburgh's and Columba's Primary School'. Saint Werburgh is the patron saint of Chester, and is often portrayed as a swan. Werburgh (also known as Werburga) (d. ...
Midsummer, or Litha as it was known by the ancient Germanic peoples, refers the period of time centered upon the summer solstice and the religious celebrations that accompany it.
Midsummer's Eve is in Sweden and Finland considered the greatest festival of the year, comparable only with Walpurgis Night, Christmas Eve, and New Year's Eve.
Midsummer, usually referred to by the traditional name, Litha, is one of the eight solar holidays or sabbats of Neopaganism, especially Wicca.
Midsummer may refer to the period of time centered upon the summer solstice and the diverse celebrations of it around the world, but more often refers to European celebrations that accompany the summer solstice, or to Western festivals that take place in June and are usually related to Saint John the Baptist.
In Lisbon, in Avenida da Liberdade, there are the Marchas, a parade of the inhabitants from the city’s different traditional quarters, with hundreds of singers and dancers and a vast audience applauding their favourite participants.
Midsummer marks a change in the farming year, specifically the break between the completion of spring sowing and the hard work of summer hay-making.
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