Mari Lwyd Tradition Joyfully Returns to Caerleon’s Streets
The Mari Lwyd made a vibrant comeback in Caerleon, celebrating community spirit with music and tradition.
Caerleon, Wales, Mari Lwyd, Tradition, Community
Caerleon: Last weekend, the streets of this charming old Roman village were alive with the Mari Lwyd. It was a lively procession that kicked off at the Bell Inn, moving to the Ship Inn, and finally to the Hanbury Arms.
Caerleon Arts organized the event, the same folks behind the beloved Caerleon Festival. They’re all about bringing back this fun tradition to Newport, and boy, did they succeed!
The Mari Lwyd is a quirky custom that goes way back to the early 1800s. Picture a horse skull on a pole, paraded through the village, having a bit of banter with the locals. It’s all in good fun!
Originally, this tradition was a Christmas thing, with groups of men taking the horse around the neighborhood. They’d have a mix of characters, including someone to carry the horse and a leader, plus folks dressed up as classic figures like Punch and Judy.
People believe the Mari Lwyd brings good luck and fortune. The name itself means “Grey Mare,” linking it to the rich heritage of pale horses in Celtic and British folklore.
If you want to catch more events from Caerleon Arts, just check out their Facebook page!