Feast of Beltane

"It’s the Feast of Beltane, the king must look kingly."

- Merlin to Arthur The Feast of Beltane was a tradition in Camelot. It is first mentioned by Arthur, who says it ended in a food fight (The Poisoned Chalice). Morgana and Helios' surprise attack on Camelot interrupted the Feast of Beltane (The Sword in the Stone).

Beltane is the exact opposite of Samhain. It opens the light season, a season of hope and the return to outdoor activities. According to the druidic mythology, the bonfire takes a large place in the festivities, marking the time of purification and exaltation, and it's quite ironical that the enemies of Camelot set the city on fire.

Series 4 begins with Samhain's eve (The Darkest Hour) and ends with the Feast of Beltane (The Sword in the Stone).

According to Gaius, who had taken parts in such ceremonies, long before the time of the Great Purge, each year at Beltane the High Priestesses would gather at the Great Stones of Nemeton and summon the spirits of their ancestors with The Horn of Cathbhadh (The Death Song of Uther Pendragon).

Trivia

 * Beltane or Beltain is one of the most important celebrations in the Pagan religion.
 * The Feast of Beltane was first mentioned in the episode The Poisoned Chalice when Merlin asks Arthur when the last time his clothes were cleaned and Arthur replies by saying, "Last year sometime, before the Feast of Beltane." while Merlin asks if the feast ended in a food fight.