The Tarves People’s Party: Fire, Planning, and Community

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

The Tarves bonfire in North-East Scotland is a seasonal event tied to the mid-autumn calendar customs of Samhainn, Halloween, and Guy Fawkes Night. Established as an outgrowth of these traditions in 1999, it has grown into the biggest such regional event outside large conurbations. As a ‘new’ traditional event, it is subject to a wide range of regulatory pressures, from the precedents of ancient practice to the concerns of modern civic authorities such as the local council and the police. Drawing on interviews and first-hand experience, this paper looks at a range of internal and external regulatory forces germane to the annual community event.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe Ritual Year 12
Subtitle of host publicationRegulating Customs
EditorsEmily Lyle, Irina Sedakova, Thomas A. McKean
Place of PublicationMoscow
PublisherPolymedia
Pages25-54
Number of pages35
Volume12
ISBN (Print)978-5-89180-129-5
Publication statusPublished - 2021

Publication series

NameThe Ritual Year
PublisherPolymedia in Association with the Elphinstone Institute
Volume12
ISSN (Print)2228-1347

Keywords

  • fire festivals
  • Halloween
  • community
  • civic authority
  • vernacular calendar custom

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