Celtic Festival ? A Unique Observance of Irish Events Worldwide

Added: 12/23/2005

The increased penetration of one culture into another has resulted in the establishment of festivals within a specific country that are dedicated to the particular events, traditions and culture of another country. Irish culture, for example, is seen as one of the richest and most unique, which explains the observance of Irish customs worldwide. In Ireland, they don't just celebrate one Celtic festival, they recognize several: the National Celtic Festival, the Hebridean Celtic Festival and Clogane and Brandon Celtic Festival of Lughnasa, all of them being observed far beyond the bounds of Ireland.

Observed annually in Australia, the National Celtic Festival is seen as one of the most diverse and largest celebrations of the Celtic culture. It is an extremely popular Celtic Festival among Celts from all over Australia, and for many reasons. On Friday night the residents of the seaside town of Port Arlington as well as other attendees of this Celtic Festival have a splendid opportunity to enjoy Celtic music, ranging from contemporary to traditional styles. The music can be enjoyed everywhere: in concert venues, in wine bars and the Celtic Club.

This Celtic Festival has also launched a dance program. Whenever you feel like moving in Celtic manner, the experienced tutors from Australia will introduce you to various styles, from Irish and Welsh to Breton and Scottish. The National Celtic Festival also features a wide range of workshops, run by national and international artists. Those willing to listen to poetry, play an instrument or sing are welcome to join one of the workshops. More than 200 artists from across Australia perform during this Celtic Festival.

The session bar offers you a perfect chance to join the great musicians. Cozy venues include the wine bar, the themed bars, the heritage restaurant and a pub with open fires. One more place of note is the undercover market, offering a variety of Celtic goods, foods and crafts. This Celtic Festival exists due to the support of people of Port Arlington, who give a friendly welcome to all visitors.

The Hebridean Celtic Festival is a four-day celebration, held in Hebrides of Scotland. Regarded as the top Celtic Festival of its kind, it has become one of the most popular attractions nationwide. Since its establishment in 1995 the festival has maintained its reputation as the largest Celtic festival in Scotland. The 2005 Hebridean Celtic Festival has surpassed all the previous celebrations thanks to the introduction of a number of quality acts. The highlights of the festival included Van Morrison, Mark Saul, Mary Smith, Kathleen McInnis, Anna Murray, Seamus Begley and James Graham.

The Cloghane and Brandon Celtic Festival of Lughnasa is one out of four Celtic festivals, spread out across the year. It is connected with the Irish festival of Lughasa, observed at the end of July. A large number of events are organized during for this festival, designed for all age groups. Activities range from storytelling, a pet show and sand sculpture, to the Mount Brandon hike, a vintage car exhibition and treasure hunt. The primary objective of the event is to gather together the local community and provide its members as well as other visitors of this Celtic Festival with the possibility to perceive the original spirit of the event.

The festival commemorates Crom Dubh, a Pre-Christian God. In 1993 the stone head of the Celtic idol was stolen from the church. In 2000 Crom Dubh II was presented to the local people. Originally placed in the wall of the church, it was then exhibited at the Heritage Center at Halla le Cheile until a place for its permanent view has been chosen. Today the holiday is seen as one of the most important religious observations in Irish culture.

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