“The work itself has a complete circle of meaning and counterpoint. And without your involvement as a viewer, there is no story." Anish Kapoor

We all have certain dates that hold special meaning for us. It is usually birthdays, anniversaries and the like. October 10, 1997 is one of those dates for me. After a year and a half of living in a world where two steps forward and one step back was the norm, this was the opening night of the first Celtic Colours International Festival.

If you ask most people where they can hear Celtic music they would likely answer Scotland and Ireland. An increasing number of folks would also think of Cape Breton because of our living Gaelic culture.

It would surprise some people that the areas of north western Spain, Galicia and Asturias, are also widely recognized as Celtic nations. Both of these regions also have a very active bagpipe tradition. (Their version of the instrument is called the gaita.)

O chionn ghreis chuir mi seachad dà latha ri teagasg òrain Ghàidhlig do chloinn aig An Roinn Cheilteach de 'n Sgoil Dhannsaidh aig Ceallaigh Nic Artair ann an Cnoc an Iar, Ceap Breatainn. 'S e dannsairean a bh' anns a' mhór-chuid dhe na sgoilearan agus bha 'ad air an togail le bhith dannsadh do sheinn seach inneal ciùil.  Rinneadh co-cheangladh glan eadar cànan 'is ceòl 'is dannsa, agus a' chlann 'gan ionnsachadh uile.

Music is a huge part of Cape Breton's Celtic culture and much of our history is shared through song. The Celtic Heart of North America wants to share our music and history and is pleased to welcome Max MacDonald to the blog team.

Bliadhna Mhath Ùr. Everyone at the Celtic Heart of North of America would like to wish you and yours a very Happy New Year. We look forward to another year of sharing the Celtic culture of Cape Breton with you.

We are very proud of our Celtic Heart blog. Our bloggers are passionate about Cape Breton Island’s culture and are ready to share their unique views and experiences.

I’d like to introduce you to two of the Celtic Heart’s bloggers:

Cape Breton Island's renowned Celtic Colours International Festival begins today and runs for the next nine days in venues throughout the island. There are still tickets available to some of the performances, but you should act fast to get yours, as most will sell out.

For a taste of what you can expect from the Celtic Colours Festival, here's a link to a sampler video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaYFi5C6rnY

Hope to see you there! 

Check out this article that was in the Edmonton Journal, discussing a Celtic music focused vacation in Cape Breton:

Click here to read.

The article mentions our members, the Celtic Music Interpretive Centre, Glenora Inn & Distillery and Inverness County. Doesn't it make you want to visit?