Festival Interceltique de Lorient

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Festival Interceltique de Lorient is an annual Celtic festival held in Lorient, Brittany, France. The festival, which began in 1971, celebrates the cultural traditions of the Celtic nations including Brittany, Cornwall, Ireland, Isle of Man, Scotland, Wales, and the Celtic diaspora.

History[edit | edit source]

The Festival Interceltique de Lorient was founded in 1971 by Polig Monjarret and has since grown to become one of the largest Celtic festivals in the world. Initially, the festival focused on Breton music and culture, but it quickly expanded to include other Celtic nations.

Events and Activities[edit | edit source]

The festival features a wide range of events and activities, including:

Music concerts: Performances by traditional and contemporary Celtic music artists.
Dance: Traditional Celtic dance performances and workshops.
Parades: Including the Grand Parade of the Celtic nations.
Art exhibitions: Showcasing Celtic art and crafts.
Workshops: Covering topics such as Celtic languages, music, and dance.
Food and drink: Stalls offering traditional Celtic cuisine and beverages.

Significance[edit | edit source]

The Festival Interceltique de Lorient is significant for its role in promoting and preserving Celtic culture. It provides a platform for artists and performers from the Celtic nations to showcase their talents and fosters a sense of unity and shared heritage among the Celtic peoples.

Attendance[edit | edit source]

The festival attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, making it one of the most popular cultural events in France. It is a major tourist attraction and contributes significantly to the local economy of Lorient.