I'll always have distinct memories of the very first Llanfihangel Tor y Mynydd Mari Lwyd, rattling around the village in 1999, with the Mari being driven into a ditch and left flailing for help - it was a great night. Since then, the Llanfihangel Mari has seen its ups and downs, but it continues to thrive and inspire. The Chepstow Mari Lwyd event, inspired by the one held in Llanfihangel, has become a behemoth of folk indulgence, attracting Mari Lwyd variants from all over the island. Now inspiration continues to spread, and for the first time in generations, a Mari Lwyd will now be seen in Caerleon. It is very much the Mari Lwyd season. So, if you are an enthusiast for the Mari Lwyd, border morris dancing and general alcohol consumption, there are no shortage of opportunities to engage. First up, on old Christmas Day (the 6th of January), is the Llanfihangel Mari. Hosted by The Star Inn, in (depending on who you ask) Llansoy or Llanfihangel Tor y Mynydd. The 'oldest' of the three events, this one is focused on the pub, and will commence somewhere around 7pm. The smallest of the three covered in this post, the Llanfihangel Mari is a great introduction to the folk tradition, and requires minimal walking - which will no doubt be welcome to some. Following hot on the heels of Llanfihangel, comes the Caerleon Mari. Ably supported by the team responsible for the Chepstow Mari Lwyd, Caerleon is the youngest of the bunch. Appearing on the 10th of January, the Caerleon Mari will be taking in two pubs, the Bell and the Hanbury, commencing at the first pub on at around 6:30pm. Members of the local Young Archaeologists Club will also be participating, bringing out the Calennig tradition. Walking between the pubs brings a touch of the travelling associated with the event back into the mix, and we are hoping that this new tradition will be the start of a significant folk revival in Caerleon. Finally, a week later, on the 17th, comes the Chepstow Mari, an event which has really become the dominant folk event to feature the Mari Lwyd. I'll probably pen more on this as the event comes closer in the calendar, but do include it in the diary, because this has grown into something very special indeed, and is well worth a look if you have not attended so far. To summarise: Llanfihangel Tor y Mynydd Mari Lwyd: 6th of January Caerleon Mari Lwyd: 10th of January Chepstow Mari Lwyd: 17th of January. Do please get in touch if you have any questions or queries about any of these.
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