Witch Twist

You moved here because the Bay Area has more color and spice than Iowa, right? Well, for this Samhain season, we got you something extra special: Powerful, mysterious witches invite you to join the Spiral Dance. This elaborate 28-year-old public ritual features altars to the "beloved dead" of this year, and the main event involves joining hands in a solemn dance. The witches' organization, Reclaiming, makes clear that this is not a party: It's kid-friendly, and alcohol- and drug-free. It is, after all, a religious observance. And naturally, you don't want to piss off the witches. Instead, send them the names of your own beloved dead, and prepare to honor the twisty cycle of life and death in a very non-Iowan way. More than a thousand people are expected; something tells us a lot of them will be dressed as skeletons.
Sat., Oct. 27, 7:30 p.m., 2007