Boar's Head Visited

The Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea

presents the 35th Annual

Boar's Head and 
Yule Log Festival

Sunday, January 8 at 2:30 and 4:30 p.m

Come celebrate the triumph of good vs. evil, light over dark, the victory of the Christ Child over sin.
This spectacular drama features over 150 members of the church working together to bring the legend of the boar's head to life through music and drama.

So what IS the legend of the boar's head? It seems a scholar was studying a book of Aristotle in the forest one day when suddenly, he was confronted by an angry wild boar. Having no other weapon, the resourceful Oxonian rammed his book down the throat of the animal causing his death. "That night the boar's head, finely dressed and garnished, was borne in procession to the dining room, accompanied by carolers singing in honor of the King of bliss." [source]

Since before we arrived at Bethesda, members of the church and community extolled the spectacle of the festival and regaled us with stories and history of the pageant.

Today was my first peak into the "behind-the-scenes" preparations, and finally, after months of anticipation, participating as a guest to witness the ceremony and tradition. I thought I'd share a few images of what it takes to put it all together, hoping that you might be swayed to come witness it for yourself.

The Walk Through!

 

Chef prepares to feed the cast and crew. YUMMY!

Costumes, hair and make up. Come see it all!