Alabama - ‘Festival of Yule’ stirs controversy in Tuscumbia


by: Addison Willmon for NEWS 19 Alabama

TUSCUMBIA, Ala. (WHNT) — The Festival of Yule, an ancient holiday festival to be held in Tuscumbia on December 3, has stirred controversy among local religious residents.

The Festival of Yule is a holiday derived from ancient Germanic, Norse, and Pagan cultures. It celebrates the upcoming winter solstice.

Festival organizer Kendall Gilchrist told News 19 that some of her ancestors were based in northern European countries, and this festival is a way to celebrate her heritage.

“There are so many different takes on Yule. So many different cultures and religions that celebrate it in different ways,” Gilchrist said. “We’re here to take our take on it and bring in the small business aspect of it.”

At a Tuscumbia city council meeting on November 21, around 100 local residents shared their concerns about the festival. Some of the residents argued that the festival promotes paganism and Satanism.

A video of the meeting has over 20,000 views on social media.

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