As we build toward the holiday season, our thoughts turn to the traditions we uphold in society and in our families. Some people have more interesting customs than others, and one of those is the Mari Lwyd in Wales. The name means Grey Mare or Holy Mary in English, and refers to a figurine of a horse carried from house to house by a group of people singing traditional songs.
The practice used to be common around Christmas time throughout South Wales, but is now confined to the area around the town of Glamorgan. To this day, residents can be seen carrying Mari Lwyd through the streets and knocking on doors to engage in singing battles with the occupants.
These battles are known as “debates” and usually involve mockery of both parties. If the Mari Lwyd group is deemed to have won the debate, they will be invited into the house and plied with food and drink.
After awhile they will leave and sing another song on the doorstep to entertain their hosts, before leaving to find their next house. It all sounds much like adversarial carol singing with an element of Halloween trick-or-treating for good measure.
Read This Next
Review: Green Man Festival, Wales
Reviews / Entertainment
Sep 9, 2016#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Apr 25, 2024Celebrate May at Memphis in May International Festival
With May around the corner, it's time to put some last-minute, can’t-miss activities on your radar. Memphis, Tennessee, “Home of the Blues,” is set to host its annual Memphis in May International Festival, featuring the first-ever RiverBeat Music Festival, World Championship Barbeque Cooking Contest, a marathon along the Mississippi River and more.
Sponsored Content
Unearth Seoul’s Hidden Gems
Filled with hidden treasures waiting to be discovered, Seoul invites travelers to unearth its many gems, and Seoul Tourism Organization is here to help travelers do just that. Through thoughtfully created initiatives like the Theme Tourism County Competition, Seoul Tourism Organization works closely with local districts to identify and showcase what makes each district unique and charming in all seasons.
Hotel
Apr 25, 2024JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi Opens
JW Marriott’s second property in Kenya recently opened: JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi stands as the tallest hotel in the country at 35 stories. Located in the Westlands commercial district, JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi boasts 315 guestrooms, several dining destinations, a Spa by JW, a swimming pool, a fitness center and eight event spaces. A sky bar and lounge, as well as 51 serviced apartments, will open later this year.
Destinations / North America
Apr 24, 2024How to See the Northern Lights in Alberta, Canada, This Year
You may have heard 2024 is going to be one of the best years to see the northern lights and, if you’re interested in experiencing this phenomenon for yourself, you likely have been thinking about making the trip to Iceland or Scandinavia — notable destinations for northern lights viewing. However, you don’t have to leave North America to take in the Aurora Borealis. Alberta offers plenty of spots and ways to see the northern lights.
Sponsored Content
Greece: A Life-Changing Experience
Experience the life-changing destination of Greece by exploring its island gems in the Ionian Sea. Scattered off the western coastline of Central Greece, to the south of Peloponnese, the Ionian Islands are an island group comprising large and small islands.
Hotel
Apr 24, 2024Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa Announces Nashville Nights Songwriter’s Series
Aloha, Nashville! Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa recently announced the launch of its Nashville Nights songwriter’s series featuring artists from Music City. Once a month for the next six months, guests can experience an evening of live music with the inaugural show scheduled for April 27 and featuring Gracee Shriver and Noel Bisesti.
ShareThis