Celtic Culture

[Profs and Pints DC](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Torture in the Middle Ages,”** with Larissa “Kat” Tracy, visiting assistant teaching professor of English at the University of Maryland Baltimore County and author or editor of ten books on medieval violence. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/dc-torture-middle-ages](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/dc-torture-middle-ages) .] When *Pulp Fiction*’s Marsellus Wallace vows to “get medieval” on someone we assume that they’re in for some serious pain. Torture—that most notorious aspect of medieval culture and society—more recently has been portrayed in popular culture in series like G*ame of Thrones* and *Vikings*, through lurid scenes depicting torture and gruesome punishment as standard medieval practice. In many modern European cities one can find popular museums displaying such gruesome implements as the rack, the strappado, the gridiron, the wheel, and the iron maiden. The dominant mythology suggests that the Middle Ages was a period during which sadistic torment was inflicted on citizens with impunity and without provocation. The truth, however, is a lot more complicated. Join Professor Larissa “Kat” Tracy, who has extensively researched torture, punishment, and social justice in medieval society, for a talk challenging preconceived ideas that popular historians, films, and media have promoted about the prevalence of torture and judicial brutality in medieval society. She’ll discuss medieval Europe’s actual use of torture—the instruments, the laws, the cultural norms, and the victims—and make clear that the act of punishment was actually a very different legal event. She’ll argue that the portrayals of medieval torture in literature represent satire, critique and dissent; they have didactic and political functions in opposing the status quo. The books that Professor Tracy has written or edited include *Torture and Brutality in Medieval Literature*; *Castration and Culture in the Middle Ages*; *Medieval and Early Modern Murder*; *Flaying in the Premodern World*, and most recently *End Game: Exile and Execution in Medieval and Early Modern Society*. When she gets medieval on you it means you are going to learn. The experience, however, won’t be painful at all. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. The talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: Torture instruments on display at Prague Castle. Photo by Clayton Tang / Wikimedia Commons.

\#\# A low\-cost\, 6\-week beginner\-level Turkish course with the non\-profit organization\, the Global Language Network\. Ready to dive into the world of Turkish? Join our fun and interactive class designed especially for those new to the language. **Details** Turkish Tourist with Ilhan Tuesdays from 6:30pm - 8:30pm ET April 7th to May 12th Hybrid - In-person, Farragut Square DC and Online Ready to learn? **Register [HERE](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSem9IdJEYqsE91SvfEEjIe8FuvoAjOusgE2ab_qkvm3apyjzg/viewform).** **Additional Information** * GLN classes are open to everyone over 18 years of age. * Have a credit or stipend to apply to your payment? Learn more about our credit, stipend, and refund policy on the [Pricing & Course Levels page.](https://thegln.org/pricing-%26-course-levels) **About GLN** We are a Washington, DC-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to "Use Language as a Tool to Help Fix Our World." Since 2015 we have been rated #1 Best Language Classes in Washington, DC by Yelp! We are so happy and grateful to have you join our network and we appreciate your support of our mission.

Come and join Northern Virginia porcelain artists. We will provide all the paints and materials needed. Just bring your smile and creativity. We paint from 10:00 am - 2:00pm every Tuesday & Wednesday. Please RSVP in advance if you like to join oir group. Text: 703-906-9150 We are located few minutes from Tyson’s corner in McLean.

A low cost, 6-week tourist-level አማርኛ (Amharic) course with the non-profit organization, the Global Language Network. \#\# Amharic Tourist Language Class ሀሎ ! Ready to dive into the world of Amharic? Join our fun and interactive class designed especially for those new to the language. **Details:** \#\#\#\# Amharic Tourist with Shambel Tuesdays from 6:30pm - 8:30pm ET Apr 12th to May 17th In-person, Farragut Square DC * GLN classes are open to everyone over 18 years of age. * Have a credit or stipend to apply to your payment? Learn more about our credit, stipend, and refund policy on the [Pricing & Course Levels page.](http://%5Bhttps://thegln.org/pricing-%26-course-levels%5D(https://thegln.org/pricing-%26-course-levels) "\[https://thegln.org/pricing-%26-course-levels\](https://thegln.org/pricing-%26-course-levels)") Ready to learn? **Register [HERE](http://%5Bhttps://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSem9IdJEYqsE91SvfEEjIe8FuvoAjOusgE2ab_qkvm3apyjzg/viewform%5D(https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSem9IdJEYqsE91SvfEEjIe8FuvoAjOusgE2ab_qkvm3apyjzg/viewform) "\[https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSem9IdJEYqsE91SvfEEjIe8FuvoAjOusgE2ab_qkvm3apyjzg/viewform\](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSem9IdJEYqsE91SvfEEjIe8FuvoAjOusgE2ab_qkvm3apyjzg/viewform)").** **About GLN** We are a Washington, DC-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to "Use Language as a Tool to Help Fix Our World." Since 2015 we have been rated #1 Best Language Classes in Washington, DC by Yelp! We are so happy and grateful to have you join our network and we appreciate your support of our mission.

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/6/3/f/8/event_160705592.jpeg (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=ZA8SWMLWS7WHA) NOTES 1. The conversation course is continuing education, designed to excel students' Amharic conversation skill. 2. The course runs for 12 weeks. 3. We don't give placement test. The students place themselves and they can switch to a level up or down, after they examine themselves. 4. Class cancelled due to 'Force Majeure', will be recovered at the end of the course. 5. Arriving by Metro: The closest metro stations are Farragut West and Farragut North. 6. Meter parking is also an option. It is about $ 0.25 for 8 minutes. 7. The payment for each class is $ 15.00 per person per hour. It will be $ 20.00 per person per hour for walk-ins. However, it is depending on availability. 8. Students can bring friends and pay $ 20 for 2 persons per hour. But it has to be an advance payment.

In this monthly workshop, you will learn the fundamentals of proper vocal technique and practice singing in harmony with others. Each class will focus on different vocal exercises and aspects of vocal technique, including breath control, diaphragmatic support, upper and lower register, vocal placement and blending, vocal agility, engaging vocal performance, and more. Additionally, in each class you will learn a folk song to practice singing harmony together. Whether you are new to singing or a seasoned chorister, there is something for you to learn from this class! Register Here: https://square.link/u/FQbwT3kF

To Attend: 1. RSVP; then 2. Register at: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-tie-fiesta-at-the-mexican-cultural-institute-tickets-1985820462460](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-tie-fiesta-at-the-mexican-cultural-institute-tickets-1985820462460) 3. * **The Majesty of Mexico City** * **The Charm of Acapulco** * **The Excitement of Cancun** * **The Mysteries of Guadalajara** On Saturday Night, April 12th, be transported into a world filled with the wonders of the Mayan legends and the beauty of Cancun’s beaches as we invite you to step onto Mexican soil for an upscale cultural evening. Put on your best dresses and tuxedos as we spend a royal evening in this multi-roomed, multi-leveled Mexican Cultural palace filled with rich art, history, music, dance, food, and much more! The Embassy’s Cultural Center is a unique and beautiful building, one of the best of its kind in the world. It contains several large floors, each displaying the charms of the different regions of our neighbor to the south. Beautiful gardens, city nightclubs, historic palaces, art galleries, and much more await you inside! **Featuring:** **LIVE MEXICAN DANCE SHOW AND MARIACHI BAND:** Experience a live costumed Mariachi troupe with music and dancing. Its members have origins from all over Mexico and other parts of Latin America. The traditional mariachi ensemble emerged in the 1800s in several western states of Mexico, including Jalisco, Nayarit, Colima, and Michoacán. It is found at weddings, birthdays, Saint’s Day celebrations, rural dances, and many other social occasions. The spirit of celebration is recreated through its music and dancing. Special dancers will be on hand to perform and teach traditional Mexican dancing, in addition to performing an amazing, authentic Mariachi dance performance with traditional costumes! **DJ AND LATE-NIGHT DANCING:** One of Washington, D.C.’s best D.J.s will rival the best nightclubs in Cancun with both American and Mexican pop music and dancing. Includes modern high energy, Retro, Salsa, today’s top 40 hits, and much more! **MEXICAN BUFFET:** Challenge your taste buds with an authentic Mexican buffet. Featuring: crispy and soft tacos; Mexican rice refried beans; pico de gallo; chips and salsa; spinach quesadillas; cheese quesadillas; enchiladas; flan and tres leches; and chile con queso dip. (Menu subject to change to equal or more substantial-quality). **OPEN BAR:** Enjoy an open bar featuring a wide array of Mexican beers, wines, and, of course, Tequila! **GREETING:** Meet members of the Institute and learn more about our neighbors to the south during a special welcome. **QUESTIONS – PLEASE CONTACT US (Not the Embassy)**: Although this event is taking place at the Mexican Cultural Institute (the cultural arm of the Embassy of Mexico), if you have questions about the event, please email events@thingstodoDC.com or call 301 519 8030. This event is not being organized by the embassy itself and the people who work there are not in a position to answer questions. Thanks. ## Suggested Attire Black Tie Optional. Minimum of a suit & Tie for Men, Cocktail Dresses for women. Casual wear, jeans, or sneakers are prohibited. To Attend: 1. RSVP; then 2. Register at: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-tie-fiesta-at-the-mexican-cultural-institute-tickets-1985820462460](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-tie-fiesta-at-the-mexican-cultural-institute-tickets-1985820462460)

It's May, so we've passed the halfway point in the Firefly Foundations class series meant to provide students the opportunity to learn about the House and about our way of being Pagan. For the fifth class of our seven-class series, we'll cover the eight holidays of the Wheel of the Year celebrated by the House as well as some of the other ceremonies that we might host from time to time. Since there's a lot of information about the Wheel of the Year online, we'll do our best to focus on the way that that House celebrates these holidays, especially when we differ from the traditional view, while still providing a summary of that traditional view for your information. When you RSVP for this class, you'll be asked to provide an email address. We'll send you a link to the class video at that address as soon as possible after we receive it. We keep won't share your email with anyone ever. Watch the video before the class date and time, and come to class with any questions you might have. During the class session, we'll be going over anything from the video you wanted to review, and then we'll pick our favorite holiday and maybe design a ceremony for it together. If you're comfortable with it, join us at the MLK Memorial Library in the **Room 401-F** to join the conversation in-person. Note: this is **not** the same room that we've been using; that one was unavailable today. Masks will be welcomed, but not provided, for in-person attendees. We will also have the necessary technology to allow folks to join in online via Google Meet if you prefer to attend remotely. Video conferencing information will be sent out the morning of the event. If you're connecting that way, please give us a few minutes past 3:30pm to get the stream online. This class is a part of our [foundations class series](https://docs.google.com/document/d/18-tA9ewEm1YEvY26jlWq07F2DT_-_HKwd-_wnl0l84g/edit?usp=sharing), which is only required if you wish to join the Firefly House as an initiate. If that does not interest you, then feel free to skip classes that you find less important for your journey. If you want to keep your options open with respect to initiation but cannot attend this session at the listed date and time, please contact the event host prior to the session. Keep in mind, you can only miss two of seven sessions in this way. Time spent with initiates of the House and your fellow classmates is an important part of knowing if you want to initiate. If you don't initiate, regardless of the reason, you're still welcome to all of the public events we organize. If you would like to, feel free to [join our Discord](https://discord.gg/RrS9XNzf9X) to chat with others in the Firefly House between sessions. This is also a great place to ask for help if you've lost a link to a video, for example. \*\*\* The Firefly House seeks to provide a friendly, safe environment in which all participants can engage in productive dialogue, sharing, and learning with each other in an atmosphere of mutual respect. We are committed to providing a harassment-free environment for all, regardless of gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body type, race, ethnicity, religion (or lack thereof), or technology choices. If you have any questions regarding this event, please contact the host.

Let us meet up for a language exchange. We will give out name tags. You write your name and what language you speak and what language you would like to exchange. ***GRAB A DRINK AND YOU ARE ALL SET TO FLEX YOUR LANGUAGE CAPACITY. YOU NEED TO GET AT LEAST A DRINK OR FOOD :) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well.*** We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested. We have the discretion to decide entry. All languages are welcome! However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that particular language, you would like to exchange. HOW IT WORKS : We will try to assign tables for each represented languages and will direct attendees to their respective tables accordingly. All languages are welcome! However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that particular language, you would like to exchange. Rules to abide : 1. Event is free and 21+ (bring ID). 2. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to exchange with others as well. 3. We all are native speakers of one or two languages and be willing to help others and try to accommodate as much as possible. 4. If you don't speak the other person's required language, LEAVE THEM ALONE. 5. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion. 6. This is a face-to-face language exchange event. DO NOT try to arrange an online meeting, by using the comment box or direct message. 7. Most of our members complained about people writing in the comment box. Since it sends notification to all attendees. If you have any questions, send a message to the organizers. Don't write in the comment box. 8. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via (info@merevents.com). 9. When you get there, we will greet you and take you to your respective group. 10. Don't be shy of your local languages. We have diplomates assigned to different countries, who would love to practice your languages. 11\. Be patient for the first 30 minutes\, up until we form your respective language group\. 12\. We will have a registration station and check you in\. 13\. This is mainly a social for Intermediate/Advanced/Native Speaker\. It is not as such to learn a language\. Beginners\, if you want to learn a language\, reach out to us \(info@merevents\.com\)\. We have a school and will arrange you a class\. ***AFTER THE EXCHANGE, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!***

The Glen Echo Folk Dancers will be meeting in-person every Wednesday evening at Glen Echo Park (7300 MacArthur Blvd). **7:30 pm: beginning/intermediate/advanced teaching** **8:30-10 pm: open request dancing** Admission: $10 We strongly urge everyone to be vaccinated and fully boostered, but do not require it. If you have not done so already, please send your email address to [dancingplanet@erols.com](mailto:dancingplanet@erols.com). Note: if you are having symptoms, or if you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, or may be positive, please attend the class via Zoom for the next week or 2. If you attend the class and then test positive, please let me know immediately, so I can inform those who attended the class (without identifying you). See the website for more information and for Zoom link: [dancingplanetproductions.com/folkdance](http://dancingplanetproductions.com/folkdance)

SPRING IS IN THE AIR! Let us meet up for a language exchange. We will give out name tags. You write your name and what language you speak and what language you would like to exchange. ***GRAB A DRINK AND YOU ARE ALL SET TO FLEX YOUR LANGUAGE CAPACITY. YOU NEED TO GET AT LEAST A DRINK OR FOOD :) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well.*** We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested. We have the discretion to decide entry. All languages are welcome! However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that particular language, you would like to exchange. HOW IT WORKS : We will try to assign tables for each represented languages and will direct attendees to their respective tables accordingly. All languages are welcome! However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that particular language, you would like to exchange. Rules to abide : 1. Event is free and 21+ (bring ID). 2. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to exchange with others as well. 3. We all are native speakers of one or two languages and be willing to help others and try to accommodate as much as possible. 4. If you don't speak the other person's required language, LEAVE THEM ALONE. 5. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion. 6. This is a face-to-face language exchange event. DO NOT try to arrange an online meeting, by using the comment box or direct message. 7. Most of our members complained about people writing in the comment box. Since it sends notification to all attendees. If you have any questions, send a message to the organizers. Don't write in the comment box. 8. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via (info@merevents.com). 9. When you get there, we will greet you and take you to your respective group. 10. Don't be shy of your local languages. We have diplomates assigned to different countries, who would love to practice your languages. 11\. Be patient for the first 30 minutes\, up until we form your respective language group\. 12\. We will have a registration station and check you in\. 13\. This is mainly a social for Intermediate/Advanced/Native Speaker\. It is not as such to learn a language\. Beginners\, if you want to learn a language\, reach out to us \(info@merevents\.com\)\. We have a school and will arrange you a class\. ***AFTER THE EXCHANGE, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!***

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who enjoy talking to people from other countries, and those who would like to discuss international travel and culture, and who enjoy getting together for good conversations."

**Pagans on the Patio! Summer/Fall Series** A casual gathering the first Thursday of each month. Time to relax, meet new people, and reconnect with old friends. There is no charge for the event itself and all are welcome but there are a few guidelines: 1. **You are expected to purchase food and/or drink to compensate the Cantina and our server.** 2. **No soliciting. Do not bring samples of your wares or brochures of your services.** 3. **Please respect the spiritual and political views of others that are present. No disruption of the peace.** In case of inclement weather, we will find seating indoors. I hope to see you there. Blessed be! \~ Cynthia ❤️---

*We can only take 13 women on this trip.* **The details...** Immerse yourself in the wild splendor of Scotland on this exclusive **women’s 8-day hiking** adventure. Misty moors, heather-clad hillsides, verdant glens, and ancient castles steeped in folklore will fill your camera roll by the end of this trip. ***Learn more about this all women journey here: [Highlands](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/journeys-1/hiking-highlands-scotland-2026)*** **A guided adventure:** Guided by experienced locals, explore the untamed hills of Glencoe and the Cairngorms during invigorating day hikes. Each evening, unwind and reflect on the day’s experiences, forging friendships and savoring Highland hospitality. This is more than a hiking trip. It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in Scotland’s rich history and traditions. Learn about women-led crofts and take a loch plunge while wild swimming (followed by a steamy sauna). **What to expect...** * Hike in Scotland’s rugged Highlands and experience green Glencoe. * Visit a medieval castles and historic stone villages. * Soak up the history of Edinburgh’s city center. * Indulge in delicious and plentiful Scottish cuisine, including fresh seafood, local beer, and hearty breakfasts. * Traverse heather-clad landscapes while giving your body a good workout. (You must train for this trip.) * Enjoy restorative stays at beautiful hotels. **Wait, there's more...** * Bask in the beauty of the Cairngorms. * Hike with other Bold Spirit women who love to travel as much as you do. * Learn about rewilding and women-led crofting. * Shop along the cobblestone streets of Edinburgh. * Take the plunge into a loch for wild swimming and a shoreline sauna experience. * Stretch both your mind and hamstrings on this special journey. The best part? Our team **takes care of the logistics** so you can focus on enjoying a much needed vacation in beautiful Scotland. Are you ready to meet other women who love to hike and travel, plus see Scotland with professional guides? ***Learn more about this all women tour here: [2026 Hiking the Highlands Journey](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/journeys-1/hiking-highlands-scotland-2026)*** * Ask us questions here: [Tell me more about this trip](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/contact) * Learn about Bold Spirit Travel [here](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/about). * Rates start at $6195

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/a/9/6/600_348310902.jpeg Instructor - Crow, HPS Class fee is $30 at the door or approved exchange RSVP with Advance pay of $25 (discounted) by PayPal on the web or by contacting Enchanted Elements (614) 437-2642. Reservations made directly to Enchanted Elements will be added to the class list manually not online. Private Instruction ~ Closed to the Public ~ Initiated Members Only Please come prepared for ritual. Blessings ~ Crow

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!