Wassail! (presented by Folk Music Society of New York)

Wes-hael!

Bring the whole household and start a new family tradition to help drive the cold winter away and hail the returning light. This centuries-old midwinter practice is a celebration of neighbors, the punch bowl, the Yule log, birds, beasts, and apple orchards. Sing boisterous wassail songs for house-visiting, enjoy performances from local dancers, hang toast on a tree, be greeted by a Mari Lwyd, and maybe even do a bit of dancing or playing yourself! Traditional Wassail refreshments to be served.

What’s a Mari Lwyd, you ask? Why, a decorated horse’s skull on a stick paraded around by a figure hidden by a sheet, of course! Our Mari Lwyd may not be made of a real skull, but it is very friendly, especially to children.