Meet the Witches of Wickford

Photograph courtesy of Wild Tea Photography.

Right after the height of COVID, Nancy Rafi saw a viral video of German witches dancing around a cauldron to a song that, loosely translated, means “shake your bacon.” “Wouldn’t that be funny,” she asked friends, “to do something similar here?” She asked organizers of the Wickford Horribles Parade if they could join in, and the Witch’s Dance Parade was born. That was in 2021. More than 145 witches took part that year, says Rafi, who leads the Rhode Island Witches Guild, and last year’s event saw 482 witches from twelve states — and Canada — descend upon the town. The third parade will be held Oct. 21. Anyone can show up to watch or take part, but to march — and dance — you must dress up as a witch. Participants can bling up their brooms and hats a week before the event on Oct. 15 at the North Kingstown Community Center. New this year are a wheel brigade, for those who want to join the march on their bicycles, and a Witch’s Ball that will be held that night at the Quonset “O” Club. All are invited. “All ages, genders, spiritual beliefs, everyone is welcome — as long as you’re kind and you don’t bully,” Rafi says. “We’re all just here to have fun.” And don’t worry if you don’t know the Witch’s Dance — they’ll hold a rehearsal the week before, so you, too, can learn how to shake your bacon. riwitchesguild.com/parade