Fire on water marks mid-summer

Fermanagh’s first ever Mid Summer Solstice bonfire held on the water itself marked a European approach to the celebration of the mid point of the year.

Throughout rural Europe the mid summer solstice is celebrated by the staging of bonfires on the water.

Denoting the key ingredients for growth i.e. earth, water and the sun (as represented by the flames) mid summer fires are most popular in Nordic countries as well as Poland and Lithuania.

The Mummers Foundation mid summer solstice event was two fold, involving the bonfire on the water ritual and a ceremonial bonfire at the mummers centre involving mummers carrying naked flamed torch lights.  Countless nationalities from as far as Canada to Thailand attended as well as a significant number of Fermanagh’s resident Polish community.