Which Gaelic festival immediately follows Beltane in the calendar?

Which Gaelic festival immediately follows Beltane in the calendar? Lughnasadh. It is traditionally observed on 1 August, after Beltane on 1 May, and marks the beginning of the harvest season.

These festivals form part of the four-part Gaelic seasonal cycle: Imbolc begins February, Beltane begins May, Lughnasadh begins August, and Samhain begins November. Lughnasadh therefore follows Beltane in the annual sequence, rather than Midsummer, which is a separate midsummer observance.

The festival’s name comes from Lugh, a prominent figure in Irish mythology. Historical Lughnasadh gatherings featured feasting, athletic contests, horse racing, matchmaking, trading and offerings of first fruits. The Tailteann Games are especially associated with the festival.

A common mix-up is Lammas, the English harvest festival held around the same date. Lammas and Lughnasadh are related seasonal observances, but they are not identical traditions. In modern Irish, August itself is called Lúnasa, reflecting the festival’s lasting cultural influence.