Edinburgh is renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture, and lively atmosphere. One of the most popular activities for tourists visiting this Scottish city is the witch tours. Witch tours in Edinburgh take visitors on a journey through the dark history of witchcraft and the persecution of witches in the city. These tours offer a fascinating insight into the beliefs, trials, and punishments inflicted upon those accused of practicing witchcraft. Participants of witch tours are led by knowledgeable guides who share intriguing stories and legends related to witchcraft. They explore various locations that were significant during the witch trials, such as the site of the infamous "Witches' Well" where convicted witches were burned at the stake.
Sleepovers, Parties, and Witch Festivals!
Ciao everyone! Good news: my Italian is improving! Some of my classmates noticed and told me so I have proof :) I actually feel that I’ve been learning a lot these past few weeks because I’m understanding more and more of what people are saying! Speaking and writing Italian are probably the hardest for me because of grammar and sentence structure, so I will work on those.
The weather has been surprisingly nice here for this time of year. It’s around 50 degrees fahrenheit here at night and in the early mornings and then the low 60’s during the day. These last two weeks have been especially nice because the sun is always shinning and it hasn’t rained for a while. I’m savoring these sunny days before it becomes freezing and snowy in the winter months.
Saturday night was super fun, I went to party with Giulia because two of her friends were having birthdays. It was pretty fun! I got to meet a whole bunch of Giulia’s classmates. There was food, dancing, etc. The party lasted pretty late, so Giulia and I caught the last ferry ride at midnight. And since the party was held in Intra, which is where my school is (an hour away from Angera), I spent the night at Giulia’s house across the lake in Cittiglio afterwards. My 3rd sleepover since I’ve been here!
Sunday I slept in, and then Giulia’s aunt drove me home to Angera. I met my host parents in the center of town, where a festival was taking place. Apparently it was a witch festival where people dressed up as witches, and there were a whole bunch of small tents with people selling stuff having to do with witches, or halloween, or anything in that category. And of course people also had tents selling cheese, wine, salami, and fruit because well, you know…I’m in Italy. lol.
This week has been pretty normal: school, Italian lessons. On Thursday my class is going to Milan for a class field trip! That should be super fun! And on Saturday I found out that I’m skipping school to meet up with my AFS Intercultura friends in Novara! I’m so excited for that too! And then Sunday, I’m going with my host mom to Varese to do something with my visa(?), I don’t really know the details yet. Anyway, the end of this week should be super fun, so I will probably write about it on Sunday if I’m not too tired. Until then!
Join in the Magic!
Tales of the magic of the Crescent City of New Orleans stretch back over centuries. It is an enigmatic place where Voodoo, Hoodoo, Witchcraft, and even Christianity blend at a crossroads of spiritual power. On August 9 to 11, 2024, Brian Cain, Christian Day, and the Witches of New Orleans present HexFest: A Weekend of Witchery held in the heart of the historic French Quarter. The conference opens with a Riverboat Ritual and dinner, held on an authentic steamboat on the Mississippi River, followed by two full days of workshops, drumming, and ritual at The Bourbon Orleans Hotel, a venue riddled with a history of hauntings. HexFest has gathered Witches, rootworkers, Voodoo priests and other magical teachers from within New Orleans and around the world to offer their time-honored wisdom. Between workshops, attendees will love the magical shopping in our on-site vending hall where you can purchase powerful ritual tools, signed books, exquisite jewelry, and spellcrafts handmade by true practitioners!
Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced practitioner, HexFest will help you to discover the secrets of Witchcraft and expand your mastery of the magical arts!
They explore various locations that were significant during the witch trials, such as the site of the infamous "Witches' Well" where convicted witches were burned at the stake. The tour also provides historical context, highlighting the societal and cultural factors that led to the persecution of witches. Visitors can learn about the prevailing beliefs, superstitions, and paranoia that fueled witch-hunts during the 16th and 17th centuries in Scotland and beyond.
Click here to register for HexFest 2024!
Sean Wilde“2019 will be my 4th HexFest. I’ve met so many wonderful people and have learned so much from the presenters. Christian and Brian deliver an exceptional experience for the price you pay. I’ll always be a faithful HexFest attendee and look forward to many more!”
Becky, Hampshire, TN
Witch-Craft 'A mystical encounter with broos & spirits'
Moreover, these tours shed light on the lives of the accused witches and their subsequent trials. Through tales and accounts, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the unjust treatment and harsh punishments these individuals endured. Apart from the historical aspect, witch tours also incorporate elements of the supernatural and the mystical. Participants might hear stories of alleged witch sightings, curses, and dark magic practices, enhancing the atmosphere and adding an eerie touch to the experience. Overall, witch tours in Edinburgh offer an engaging and educational way to explore the city's history and folklore. Whether one is interested in witchcraft, history, or simply enjoys a spooky adventure, these tours are certain to leave a lasting impression and evoke a sense of intrigue..
Reviews for "Dive into the Witchcraft Tales of Old Edinburgh"
1. Emily - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Witch Tour Edinburgh". The tour guide seemed uninterested and lacked enthusiasm throughout the entire tour. The information provided was very basic and did not provide any new insights or interesting facts about witches or the history of witch trials in Edinburgh. The tour also felt rushed, and we didn't have enough time to fully explore the locations we visited. Overall, it was a lackluster and underwhelming experience.
2. Mark - 1 star - I would not recommend "Witch Tour Edinburgh" to anyone. The tour was poorly organized, and the guide seemed unprepared. There were long periods of awkward silence where the guide struggled to come up with something to say. Additionally, the tour group was too large, making it difficult to hear the guide or ask questions. The stops on the tour were also unimpressive and did not offer any real historical or cultural value. Save your money and time, and look for a different tour.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - The "Witch Tour Edinburgh" failed to meet my expectations. The tour focused more on ghost stories and less on the actual history of witches in Edinburgh. It felt more like a cheap thrill ride than an educational experience. The guide was entertaining but lacked knowledge about the subject matter. I was hoping to learn more about the witch trials and the social and political climate of the time, but the tour barely scratched the surface. I left feeling disappointed and unsatisfied.
4. John - 2 stars - I was not impressed with "Witch Tour Edinburgh". The tour guide seemed more interested in telling spooky stories than providing accurate historical information. The tour lacked depth and failed to capture the gravity and significance of the witch trials that took place in Edinburgh. The locations we visited felt like they were added as an afterthought and lacked any real historical significance. Overall, it was a half-hearted attempt at a witch tour, and I would not recommend it to anyone seeking a meaningful and educational experience.