August 1-8

National Eisteddfod

Embrace the rich Welsh culture on National Eisteddfod – a phenomenal celebration of literature, music, and performance! Join the festivities!

Type
Week

Introduction

Gear up to dive deep into the Welsh traditions on National Eisteddfod commencing on August 1. This spellbinding festival is the crown jewel of Wales' arts and culture scene, with a history dating back over a millennium! The term "Eisteddfod" translates to "sitting together" or "being seated" in Welsh, and is a euphoric gathering of poets, musicians, and artists from all over the country who come together to celebrate their shared culture and artistic skills. With a variety of enthralling events such as choir singing, recital of poetry, harpist performances, and vibrant folk dances, be prepared to witness an avalanche of creativity. So let's rally together and mark our calendars for a spectacular cultural extravaganza!

National Eisteddfod Timeline

1176
First Recorded Eisteddfod
The first recorded National Eisteddfod was organized by Rhys ap Gruffydd, the Prince of Deheubarth, in Cardigan Castle.
1819
Formation of Provinicial Eisteddfodau
Provinicial Eisteddfodau started to form, providing a platform for Welsh culture and language at a local level throughout the 19th century.
1861
First Modern National Eisteddfod
The Eisteddfod in Aberdare marked the start of the modern National Eisteddfod, including competitive arts and literature performances.
1880
Introduction of Gorsedd Stones
The practice of laying a circle of Gorsedd Stones began at the National Eisteddfod in Denbigh, symbolising the link between modern and ancient Welsh culture.
1947
Post-War Continuation
Despite economic hardship post World War II, the National Eisteddfod continued to be held annually, demonstrating the resilience of the Welsh culture.
2009
First Online Eisteddfod
The first online-only Eisteddfod y Cymry was held, showcasing the adaptation of this traditional festival to the digital age.

How to Celebrate National Eisteddfod

1

Host a Welsh-themed party

Throw a gathering with all things Welsh. Encourage guests to wear traditional Welsh costumes or colors. Serve classic Welsh dishes like cawl, rarebit, bara brith, and Welsh cakes. Play popular Welsh music and watch recorded performances from previous Eisteddfods!

2

Take a virtual Eisteddfod tour

If you can't attend in person, explore the Eisteddfod online. Many organizers live-stream events and provide virtual reality experiences of the festival grounds, performers, exhibits, and more!

3

Learn and recite Welsh poetry

One of the key components of the Eisteddfod is poetry. To celebrate, learn and recite a piece of Welsh poetry. If you're feeling adventurous, try learning it in the original language for an added challenge!

4

Raise a toast with Welsh beverages

Select a few types of Welsh drinks like Welsh whisky, ciders, or ales to toast to the celebration. Maybe even try creating a cocktail with these as base ingredients!

5

Participate in a traditional Welsh folk dance

Dancing is a significant part of Welsh culture and National Eisteddfod celebrations. Search YouTube for instructional videos on how to perform traditional Welsh dances at home. This fun activity will have you feeling like you're right there at the festival!

Why We Love National Eisteddfod

A

Cultural Appreciation

National Eisteddfod Day allows us to appreciate and honour the rich and vibrant Welsh culture. It's a wonderful opportunity for individuals around the globe to learn about traditional Welsh culinary delights, music, and art forms including poetry and dance.

B

Community and Connectivity

The idea of "sitting together" or "being seated", which is the definition of Eisteddfod in Welsh, encourages a sense of community and connectivity. Whether you're from Wales or not, it's a beautiful chance to foster connections and celebrate common artistic interests.

C

Creativity and Talent Showcase

National Eisteddfod Day is a stage that showcases some of the best poetic, musical and artistic talents in Wales. By either participating or just watching, we get to witness an avalanche of creative expression and appreciate unparalleled art forms.