Festival to revive seaweed doll tradition

AN ancient tradition of a “seaweed doll” being offered up to Mother Nature will be revived in Co Waterford next month.

Tramore Oceanic Surf and Sea Festival from September 23-26 celebrates the feast day of St Michael, the patron saint of seafarers. St Michael’s Day traditionally marked the end of the tourist season and the end of the time for bathing in the bay.

Local environmentalist and historian Alan Walshe, who will host a historical session at the festival, said: “When Michaelmas Day came around the bathing ladies, who worked all season long, were a very important part of the set-up on the strand during the bathing season. Those same women played a significant role in the close of the season ceremonies.