Helston Flora Day
🌼 Helston Flora Day: A Cornish Celebration of Spring
Helston Flora Day is a vibrant and historic festival held annually in the town of Helston, Cornwall. Celebrated each year on 8th May—unless that date falls on a Sunday or Monday, in which case the festivities are moved to the preceding Saturday—this colourful tradition marks the arrival of spring with music, dancing, and theatrical pageantry. It is one of the oldest surviving customs in the UK, steeped in folklore and local pride.
Children’s Dance © Helston Flora Day Association
Furry Dance © Helston Flora Day Association
🌿 The Furry Dance (Flora Dance)
At the heart of Flora Day is the Furry Dance, a series of processional dances that weave through the town’s streets, shops, and even homes. The word “Furry” is believed to come from the Cornish word fer, meaning “fair” or “feast”. The dances symbolise the return of life and light after the dark winter months.
There are four main dances throughout the day:
7:00am – Morning Dance: Traditionally performed by servants and workers at the break of day.
9:50am – Children’s Dance: Over 1,200 local schoolchildren, dressed in white with coloured ribbons representing their schools, take part in a joyful parade.
12:00pm – Midday Dance: This is the most formal of the dances, historically reserved for the town’s gentry. Participants wear top hats, tails, and elegant dresses as they process through the town.
5:00pm – Evening Dance: Traditionally for tradespeople and residents, it brings the day’s festivities to a close.
Throughout the dances, participants wear lily of the valley, Helston’s symbolic flower, representing the return of happiness and purity.
George and the Dragon © Helston Flora Day Association
Hal-an-Tow © Helston Flora Day Association
🎭 Hal-an-Tow Pageant
Complementing the dances is the Hal-an-Tow, a dynamic street performance blending music, theatre, and folklore. Starting at 8:30 AM, performers move through various locations in Helston, presenting a pageant that intertwines historical and mythical narratives.
Key elements of the Hal-an-Tow include:
Characters: Figures such as Robin Hood, St George, and St Michael feature prominently, each representing different facets of Helston’s heritage.
Themes: The pageant addresses events like the Spanish Armada’s challenge and the triumph of good over evil, symbolized by St Michael’s battle with the devil .
Music: The “Hal-an-Tow” song, with its chorus “Hal-an-tow, jolly rumble O,” celebrates the coming of summer and the departure of winter.
The name “Hal-an-Tow” has been subject to various interpretations. Some suggest it means “raise the roof,” while others link it to Cornish terms related to May Day celebrations .
🌿 Cultural Significance
Helston Flora Day is more than a festival; it’s a testament to the town’s enduring spirit and commitment to preserving its unique traditions. The event fosters community pride, attracts visitors worldwide, and offers a glimpse into Cornwall’s rich cultural tapestry.
Note: For the most accurate and up-to-date information on Helston Flora Day, including schedules and participation details, please refer to the official website: helstonfloraday.org.uk.
All images © Helston Flora Day Association