Helston Flora Day
Helston Flora Day
The people of Helston continue to celebrate the Archangel's victory, although no one is quite sure why this celebration has been called "Furry Day." It may derive from the Gaelic word fer meaning "a fair," or from the Latin feriae, meaning "festival." Some think it's a corruption of "Flora's Day," a reference to the original Roman goddess of flowers ( see Floralia). In any case, today the event is known as Helston Flora Day.
The day's festivities include the "Furry dance," which is performed in the streets by men in top hats and women in fancy dresses, and a trip to the woods in search of flowers and leaves. The original rock has long since been broken up into building stones and used for local construction. Flora Day is held on May 8 except in years when the 8th falls on a Sunday or Monday, in which case it is moved to the previous Saturday.
Helston Tourist Information Centre
79 Meneage St.
Helston, Cornwall TR13 8RB United Kingdom
44-13-2656-5431; fax: 44-13-2657-2803
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