Interest in Celtic Traditions thrives in North America People are attending Celtic festivals all across North America throughout the summer in droves. Just take a look at the booking schedule for any Celtic band touring in North America during the summer and you will find performances scheduled for almost every weekend throughout the summer. This past weekend in Milwaukee, Wisconsin alone, over 130,000 people visited the festival over a four day period and were entertained by performers not only from the US but from Galicia, Ireland, and Scotland. Music is not the only attraction at these festivals. Besides the obvious entertainment, food, and beer, there are such activities as: Hooleys; hedge schools; language lessons; dance lessons; storytelling; crafts and more. Beside festivals, there are living history villages across North America such as the Nova Scotia Highland Village Society. It was founded to create a living history museum to interpret, preserve and promote the Scottish language, culture and heritage as found in Nova Scotia. There are many Celtic culture centers spread across North America. The Irish Heritage Center of Greater Cincinnati, Ohio promotes the Irish culture through the study of customs, dance, education, film, genealogy, history, language, lectures, literature, music, mythology, poetry, social interaction, song, sport, theater and the visual arts. Many associations have been formed to preserve and promote all things Celtic for example there is NACTA (The North American Celtic Trade Association). It is a trade association for retailers, manufacturers and distributors of products involved in this niche market dealing with products from the Celtic regions. And it doesn’t stop there. Everywhere can be found excellent Celtic pubs and restaurants such as Raglan Road in Orlando Florida which provides authentic Celtic cuisine, beverage, and entertainment in an exacting replication of a traditional Celtic pub. All these add up to the fact that there are many Americans and Canadians who are committed to their nationalities but also proud of their heritages. Written by Celtic Bard Jeff Images: all photos by Diane Jeffries - Carlos Nunez at Milwaukee Irish Festival 8-2014; audience at Dayton Irish Fest 2013; Irish dancing at Raglan Road Pub, Orlando Florida 2014
Posted on: Sat, 23 Aug 2014 02:48:46 +0000
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