Historic Holiday Celebration: Boar’s Head & Yule Log Festival

Beefeaters - Bethesda by the Sea - Palm Beach IllustratedGet in the holiday spirit one last time this season with The Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea annual Boar’s Head and Yule Log Festival on Sunday, January 3. The recreation of the medieval tale, one of the oldest continuing festivals of the Christmas season in the church and celebrated by BBTS since 1977, takes revelers back to 1340 when an Oxford scholar studying a book of Aristotle was suddenly confronted by a wild, charging boar. Quick witted, the scholar plunged the codex into the maw of the boar, ending the deadly escapade. Upon returning to town for Midnight Mass and telling of the adventure, the head of the boar was dressed and borne in procession to a feast with carolers singing “in honor of the King of bliss.”

   Progressing throughout the centuries, the Boar’s Head Festival has become a stalwart of Christian faith, where evil, represented by the boar, is overcome by good through the teachings of Christ. To celebrate the ancient processional of Epiphany, over 150 performers will present the banquet (always held 12 days after Christmas), complete with dancers, Beefeaters, Pipes and Drums, Lords and Ladies, strolling singers and jesters.

  • Seats are on a first-come, first-serve basis.
  • Admission: Requested donation of $15.
  • Sunday, January 3 at 2 and 4:30 p.m.
  • For more information, visit bbts.org.

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