Celebrate Celtic heritage at a summer festival
- Jul 14, 2011
Want a summer festival with a difference? Here's a guest blog on celebrating Celtic heritage at summer festivals...
Many American men, women and children flock to summer festivals that celebrate their Irish, Scottish or Welsh heritage; these fun-for-all-ages, warm-weather events feature exciting Celtic music, dance, sporting activities, crafts, workshops, and storytelling. At a typical Irish or Celtic festival, you’ll also be able to enjoy the traditional food and drink of the Celts, including, perhaps, a drop or two of barley-scented Guinness beer!
For many, these annual festivals become a wonderful way to make new friends and enjoy a relaxed, unique atmosphere that also honor Celtic heritage. Grown-up pub nights and dances are balanced with children’s activities, such as craft workshops, pony rides, and face painting, making the events accessible to families, singles, or groups of friends…
North America (where many people are proud to be of Irish, Scottish, and/or Welsh heritage) is a prime location for summer Celtic festivals; in fact, hundreds of these celebrations are held each and every year. In the United States, over 40 million people boast Irish ancestry, and Irish festivals with joyous parades and communal pancake breakfasts are commonplace.
One example of a lively American summer festival that is perfect for tourists or residents alike is The Great American Irish Festival, held at the Herkimer County Fairground in Frankfort, New York. Running from July 29th to July 31st, 2011, this festival features plenty of charming Celtic activities, including a bagpipe festival, live performances by musical acts The High Kings and The Elders, and a Teen Zone/Wee Folk area for younger festival attendees.
The Cleveland Irish Cultural Festival is another hot ticket event that promises oodles of fun for Irish-Americans (and anyone else who might happen by). Running from July 22nd to July 24th, 2011, this Irish festival will feature 300 hard-working volunteers, who spend months planning a thrilling roster of joyous Celtic dance, lilting Gaelic music, and lots of activities centered on the timeless achievements of Irish poets, artists, and authors. Celebrating the rich legacy of Irish culture is what this summer get-together is all about. Some festival highlights will include performances by Tommy Fleming, The New Barleycorn, Dennis Coyle, and Cherish The Ladies.
This festival, which will be held, rain or shine, at Bemea Fairgrounds in Cleveland, will also honor the beauty and spirit of true Irish dance. Performers include critically acclaimed dancer Pat Campbell, who toured for eight years with the exciting “Lord Of The Dance” production. Kevin O’Malley and Tessie Burke will also be spotlighted on one of the festival’s main stages.
As you can see, connecting with your own heritage through a Celtic summer festival can be an excellent way to gain a greater understanding of the culture and history of your ancestors.
Today, Celtic culture remains a thriving, creative force in the world. Through Celtic jewelry designs, folk art, and song and dance, the Celts of today continue to honor the old traditions, and they love sharing their creativity with festival attendees from all walks of life.
If you’re looking for an affordable, original vacation idea, a jaunt to a summer Celtic festival can be the perfect summer getaway…Check out a complete list of Celtic festivals at our blog.
Ciara O'Brien writes for the online Celtic jewelry store: Irish Celtic Jewels. On her blog, she gives tips and information about all things Irish, including weddings, history, symbolism, Celtic festivals and, of course, the famous Claddagh ring.
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