May Day Revelry

Santa Barbara Revels, under founder Susan Keller, held its 16th annual May Day Celebration at the Paseo Nuevo.

Mica Basilici, the tony troupe’s song leader, taught fascinated members of the public spring-themed songs, while the Revels dancer leader Helen Pasley taught “Sellinger’s Round,” a May Day circle dance dating from 1670.

The dancers also performed “The Physical Snob” and “Prince William,” traditional English country dances.

Special guest musicians included Josh Jenkins on guitar and Devynn Quarles on fiddle, as well as members of the Santa Barbara Pipe and Drum Corps.

The day culminated in the traditional Maypole ritual – two circles of participants walking in opposite directions around the pole, holding colorful ribbon streamers and weaving intricate pattens as they moved to the inside and the outside of each other.

The result was magical!