Pagan Pride Festival in Utah

For those that think all Utahans are conservative – think again. The Annual Pagan Pride Festival garnered thousands of visitors to Crone’s Hollow in September. Along with revelry, pageantry, costumes and the curious, the festival showcased a plethora of belief systems including Wicca, Druid, Pagan, and sects within.

Despite the sudden thundershower, festival participants and guests were privy to massages, didgeridoo players, booths, food, crafts and opening circle and closing circle ceremonies. The future was foretold via pendulum readings, tarot, palm, and runes. A bell rang for every “virgin” guest to the Pagan Pride Festival. The bell tolled hundreds of times as Utah’s finest and curious came to experience, enjoy and learn from sects foreign to their everyday life.

Once believed to be home to only Mormons, Utah’s diversity shines. Only 49% of the state has affiliation with the predominant church. Home to the Vatican City of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the conservative nature of Utahan’s has expanded and exploded. We welcome and acknowledge all political, social, sexual orientation and spiritual traditions. Earlier this year, Utah hosted the nation’s 2^nd largest LGBT Parade, making a statement for cultural diversity and tolerance.

As for the thousands of Utahans that practice the lesser known, yet oldest of philosophies; “This is the Place.” Mutual respect has closed the gap of prejudice; at least for those that adhere to the principles of tolerance and respect.