HARTFORD, Conn. —

Witches took over Pratt Street in Hartford this weekend, but not the kind you see in movies.

WitchFest returned for its second year, bringing education, performances and a chance to explore the history behind witchcraft trials, including right here in New England.

The festival featured tarot card readings, dancers and pop-up shops celebrating witch culture. Organizers say it’s about more than costumes; they want to raise awareness about the Salem Witch Trials and honor those wrongly accused and convicted in the 1600s.

The event also connects descendants of accused witches to their ancestry, giving them a deeper understanding of their past.

One of the highlights was a performance by the Hampden County Hexenbruts, a witch dance group blending tradition, history and

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