This is a family/kid-centric event introducing the tradition of the Mari Lwyd with an afternoon of storytelling, singing and crafting in New York City.

Attendees will be treated to a spoken narrative of the tradition and a performance demonstrating the Mari-Lwyd-and-host-bantering as the Mari Lwyd seeks to convince the host to let her group enter. Attendees may craft and decorate their own Mari Lwyd with ribbons, buttons, sequins, paint and markers. The afternoon will culminate in “show and tell”, where our crafters will be invited up to the stage to show-off their version of the Mari Lwyd and sing a banter or tell a “knock-knock” joke.

The Tradition of the Mari Lwyd

Mari Lwyd (pron.: mar-i-loy-d; Y Fari Lwyd (ee-var-i-loy-d) in Welsh) is a wassailing folk custom found in South Wales, although the tradition declined significantly in the 20th century. The tradition entails the use of a hobby horse made from a horse's skull mounted on a pole to represent the Mari Lwyd, which was carried by an individual hidden under a sackcloth. The Mari is well-known to be mischievous – trying to steal things and chase people she likes – as she goes about her bidding.

A merry group carries the Mari Lwyd to local houses, where they request entry in an exchange of clever rhymes through song with the person who lives there. The householders are expected to deny the Mari Lwyd’s group entry until convinced. If the Mari Lwyd and her gang gain entry, they are provided food and drink and the household is said to have good luck for the year. 

This event is FREE, but space is limited. PLEASE RESERVE YOUR FREE SPOT BELOW!

This event is immediately followed by the Welsh Congregation’s December/Christmas service and te bach downstairs in the church, which is also free and open to all.