Festival of the Tartans!
Celtic Life International returns to northern Nova Scotia this weekend for the Festival of the Tartans / New Glasgow Highland Games! Recently we spoke with the President of the Festival of the Tartans Committee, Ken Langille.
What is the event’s core mandate?
To celebrate & promote our Scottish Heritage as founded by Scottish settlers who started arriving to this area in the late 1700’s.
How has it grown over the years?
We are in our 55th year for this event. As with all long lasting events it has experienced its highs & lows & currently we are in a period of re-growth.
Who attends the gathering?
Attendees include local residents as well as National & International visitors. They range in age from the very young to the very old. The event attracts those interested in the Celtic Heritage & local history as well as the general public.
What can they expect to experience this year?
Highland dancing, pipe bands, individual piping & drumming, heavyweight demonstration, the infamous haggis, genealogy, track & field & a Scottish concert can all be experienced in addition to the kilted golf tournament & garden parties at local senior citizens homes.
Why is it an important event for the Celtic community there?
Our event provides a forum to celebrate & perform music, dance & sport of the Celtic Heritage.
Why is it an important event for the non-Celtic community there?
It is important to promote multi-culturalism to everyone just as we would hope for other cultures to be celebrated as well.
What are the plans for the event in the years ahead?
Our future plans are to continue to build on the momentum of the current rebirth of the Festival & Highland Games.
Is enough being done to preserve and promote Celtic culture?
We would say no which is why sustaining our event is so critical to those involved.
What can we be doing better?
As a society we should continue the hard work & dedication toward all cultural preservation & work toward more exposure in the schools to generate interest at a young age.
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