Knocknagoshel Harvest Festival, Co. Kerry, Ireland 1963

* This footage is mute.
Mummers lead a parade through Knocknagoshel as the village celebrates the harvest.
A crowded Knocknagoshel, (in Irish Cnoc na gCaiseal) in North East Kerry enjoys music and entertainment provided by mummers with music, a play and a hobby horse.
The banner across the street “Arise Knocknagoshel, and take your place among the nations of the earth!” bears the same words as that carried by local men in 1891 attending a Parnell rally in Newcastlewest.
The origins of mummers and mumming is unclear, but it is thought that this form of entertainment was brought to Ireland by the Anglo-Normans. It has been part of Irish folk tradition for centuries.
Mummers perform music and plays, and wear specific types of costumes. In some parts of the country they wear straw masks. Led by a captain who announces their arrival and asks for permission to perform, they receive food or money as a token of gratitude when the entertainment is over.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 18 October 1963.