The Third Annual CT WITCH AND CULTURE FESTIVAL “flies into” Connecticut’s Old State House Square Plaza, 800 Main Street, in Downtown Hartford, CT on Saturday, August 8th and Sunday, August 9th from 11am until 5pm daily. There will be Special Guests, Speakers, Authors, Vendors, Artisans, Readers, the Hex Dancers, Food Trucks, Beverages, and much more. All ages are welcome, and admission is free to the public.
The Remembrance and Historical path is in place for two days filled with Community and Respect for the history of those accused of Witchcraft in Connecticut, and their ultimate exoneration 3 years ago.
In May of 2023, Connecticut House Joint Resolution 34, “Resolution Concerning Certain Witchcraft Convictions in Colonial Connecticut, was adopted by the House of Representatives in May of 2023 by a vote of 121 to 30 and was then adopted by the Senate by a margin of 33 to 1. This bipartisan resolution absolved the innocent victims of the witch trials and apologized to their descendants.
The CT WITCH AND CULTURE FESTIVAL celebrates them being absolved in 2023 (which is why this event hadn’t been done prior) – while also acknowledging the “witches” themselves with the utmost respect and due regard. It is also presented to raise further awareness of the trials that happened in Connecticut, and its history.
Highlights of the weekend include a line-up of highly-respected historians and expert speakers on topics of the CT Witch Hunts, the exoneration project, generational healing, New England lore, historic objects, and magickal wisdom.
Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to learn how to make brooms from over the decades, they will be able to join in and dance with the incredible Hampden County Hexenbrut Witch troupe of New England, and get to browse and shop all the beautiful art, crafts, clothing, and merchandise from the variety of vendors.
The welcome table for the weekend festivities will feature “The History & Remembrance Information Booth.” Everyone can learn about the real people of the Connecticut Witch Trials and their path to exoneration and remembrance. The exhibition is presented by the “End Witch Hunts Non-Profit” organization, the “Connecticut Witch Trials Exoneration Project,” “The Thing About Witch Hunts” Podcast, and “The Thing About the Salem Witch Trials” Podcast. Visitors will learn the names, the stories, and the truth of those accused of witchcraft in Connecticut.
Whereas Saturday will feature presentations by many of the distinguished guest speakers, Sunday will showcase a Memorial Service presented by the “Connecticut Witch Trials Exoneration Project” and the “End Witch Hunts Nonprofit,” highlighted by the tolling of the bells and reading for each CT victim of the trials, culminating with a declaration of the Absolution Resolution.
Visit the main information and exoneration committee booth August 8-9, or email info@endwitchhunts.org.
The CT WITCH AND CULTURE FESTIVAL is presented for the third consecutive year in Hartford by the global events duo, The Shaman and The Showman LLC. Learn more at www.CTWitchFest.com.
