The earliest date on which theAbbots Bromley Horn Danceis performed
Marks the earliest possible date for the Abbots Bromley Horn Dance, a centuries-old English folk ceremony featuring dancers bearing reindeer antlers.
The Abbots Bromley Horn Dance is one of England’s most distinctive folk traditions, dating back over 800 years.
Performed by villagers carrying reindeer antlers, hobby horses, and various costumes, it visits local homes to bestow blessings.
Scholars debate its origins, speculating pre-Christian rituals, medieval hunting celebrations, or harvest festivals.
Traditionally held on Wakes Monday, the dance’s earliest allowable date is September 6, marking the season’s first performance.
The community procession weaves through the village of Abbots Bromley in Staffordshire, drawing enthusiasts and historians alike.
Witnessing the Horn Dance offers a rare glimpse into living folklore and the enduring power of ancestral customs.
Abbots Bromley Horn Dance