Cornwall has a lively calendar of traditional celebrations and events which can make a short break the ideal time to go and experience one of these celebrations, or to plan a holiday around the festival itself. From agricultural shows to literary festivals there is something for everyone.
Cornwall through the seasons
In spring Cornwall comes to life as the farming year begins and daffodils line the village roads. April and May are the best time to see camellias, azaleas and rhododendrons in some of the gardens open to the public. Try Trebah near Falmouth or Trewithen near Truro.
One of the best known festivals on the first of May is the Obby Oss at Padstow which is though to be an ancient fertility rite. There is dancing through the streets with the appearance of the Blue Oss followed by the Red Oss which goes on all day.
Helston Flora Day is another May celebration when the town turns out to dance through the streets and in and out of houses on the traditional route. This is normally held on May 8th except when the 8th is a Sunday or Monday. Traditionally the dancers are people born in Helston itself who have continued the dance for generations.
Literary enthusiasts will find much to occupy them at the Daphne Du Maurier Literature Festival in Fowey, held in May and celebrating the works of Cornish and other writers as well as organised walks to the locations featured in the Daphne Du Maurier books.
As the summer arrives there are more festivals and celebrations. The Royal Cornwall Show at Wadebridge is the county agricultural event and where livestock is exhibited along with food and crafts from around Cornwall.
At Midsummer the ancient Celtic traditions are celebrated as the Old Cornwall Society mark Midsummer's Eve with bonfires at points around the county and Golowan sees a carnival atmosphere in Penzance as the Feast of St John is celebrated.
At Port Eliot a cultural literary festival takes place in sublime surroundings. Fish and fishermen are celebrated at the Newlyn Fish Festival over the August Bank Holiday weekend where there are open boats, fish cooking and live music in the streets.
Cornwall's culture and cuisine
In September the Bards of the Cornish Gorseth meet in their annual Celtic festival and to appoint new bards who have contributed to Cornish arts and culture.
Local food is displayed at the Cornwall Food and Drink Festival held in late September on Lemon Quay in Truro and where artisan slow produced food is on show and where the summer and autumn harvest is given pride of place. The first Monday in November sees St Just Feast, a gathering of St Just folk from all over the world coming home to mark their local church saint day and see family and friends.
At Christmas there is Tom Bawcock's Eve where starrey gazey pie can be found in Mousehole and the Christmas lights flicker in the bay attracting thousands of visitors to the small fishing village. Listen out for the many male voice choirs and carol concerts where unique Cornish carols can be heard.
As fireworks bring in the New Year plans begin for more celebration and anniversaries of the Cornish heritage.
Rachael Rowe is a writer based in the South West of England. She is passionate about travel and has authored walking guides and guidebooks. Her portfolio includes online and print articles.