Want More Joy in Your Life? Go to a Celtic Festival
I must confess that I came to Celtic Festivals later in life. I wish I’d discovered these fantastic Irish-themed gatherings earlier, and I don’t want you to miss out on all the fun. So here’s what you need to know about Celtic Festivals and how they can add more joy to your life:
What is a Celtic Festival?
A Celtic Festival is a community gathering to celebrate Irish, Scottish, Welsh and other Celtic traditions. They’re held all across America, in big cities and small towns. Generally, a Celtic Festival includes music, food and beer tents, Highland games – traditional Celtic sports including the caber toss, shopping, dancing, and more. All are welcome. You don’t need to be Irish to enjoy a Celtic Festival.
What Makes Celtic Festivals So Fun?
Absolutely #1 on the list of reasons Celtic Festivals are so great is the people. As a vendor at many different festivals over the years, it never fails to amaze me how many people show up determined to have a good time – and to ensure the other people around them are having a good time too. If you like smiling faces, happy dancers, musicians having the time of their life, and families enjoying time together, you’re going to love Celtic Festivals. The energy is vibrant and joyful – an enjoyable and rejuvenating experience.
What is a Celtic Festival Like?
The way I’d describe a Celtic Festival is like a Ren Fest light – the music and ambience is much the same, but the focus is on contemporary fun and artistry. Each Celtic Festival has a unique set of vendors. Many of these vendors are artists producing wonderful work that you might not ever encounter anyplace else. This makes for a truly unique shopping experience where you can discover one of a kind treasures and gifts. And the sports – there’s nothing like the Highland Games!
What are the Highland Games?
Traditional Celtic Sports are often called Highland Games. My personal favorite (to watch!) is the Caber Toss. The Caber Toss involves tossing a long pole – which can be close to 200 pounds and over 15 feet long – to see if you can make it flip end over end before it hits the ground again. This takes an amazing amount of strength and skill to do. And it’s an amazing spectacle to watch. Other traditional Celtic Sports include the Hammer Throw, Tug O War, and the Hill Run.
What is the Food Like at Celtic Festivals?
The first thing anyone ever guesses about Food at Celtic Festivals is Haggis, and it’s true, you can get this traditional Scottish dish at some Celtic Festivals. Also popular on the festival menu: turkey legs, fish and chips, bangers and mash, Scotch eggs, and reuben bites. Personally, I love the pasties – savory hand pies that come with an amazing variety of fillings.
Come to a Celtic Festival!
Great people, fun food, cheerful music, and a unique athletic spectacle – the Celtic Festival is designed to fill your heart with joy and your mind with fond memories. Make this the year you discover how much fun these events can be. You’ll be glad you did.
