Festivals

Michaelmas | September

Like many Waldorf schools around the world, the Tucson Waldorf School traditionally celebrates the festival of Michaelmas on September 29. The day is filled with strong imagery such as a fiery dragon being conquered by the heavenly hero St. Michael. The children dress in costumes, enjoy games of courage and strength, join their voices in verse and song, eat dragon bread and drink dragon juice. The Grades students perform a play, with each grade having a different role. The Early Childhood students celebrate Michaelmas in class. The purpose of this festival is to celebrate human will, inner strength, courage and initiative.

Harvest Festival | October

The Harvest Festival is an event that is highly revered by both children of all ages and parents alike. Live music, homemade breads and soups (creating an impressive potluck spread), a warm fire, dancing and costumes are regular features of this event. The Early Childhood faculty carefully craft the highly anticipated Protected Path (for children in first grade, kindergarten and nursery). The Protected Path is inspired by a fairy tale that changes each year. Parent volunteers organize the Quest Path for children in Grades 2 and up. This event is a safe place for the children to dress up and have fun during evening hours. Homemade costumes are encouraged and appreciated.

Martinmas Lantern Walk | November

Each November we celebrate Martinmas, the festival of inner light in the outer darkness of the approaching winter. Celebrating Martinmas serves as a reminder that each of us has a divine spark that we must ferry out into the world and share with others. St Martin was a soldier in Rome in the 4th century. Legend says that one wintry night, he met a poor beggar, half-naked and freezing. Martin removed the heavy military cloak from his shoulders and, drawing his sword, cut it in two, and gave half to the beggar. Martin became the patron saint of beggars, drunks and outcasts, dedicating his life to assisting pariahs. The children hear the story of St. Martin, sing songs, and as night falls, they carry their handmade lanterns and walking the magical path lit with luminarias. This festival is celebrated together by the Early Childhood and early Grades classes. As part of the celebration of Martinmas, the TWS community organizes a charitable collection of winter clothing and blankets for local shelters each year.

Advent Spiral | December

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