If you've ever wondered what life was like in the Scottish Highlands in the years between the Battles of Bannockburn and Culloden, the folks of the Historic Highlanders can not only tell you, they can show you. These folks are "Living History" at its very best.
Based in New Hampshire, the Historic Highlanders are a cultural and educational organization that preserves authentic Scottish heritage by researching and recreating elements of everyday life of Highland society from 1314 to 1746 and sharing that information through public lectures and demonstrations. They can be seen at most, if not all, of the Highland Games and Scottish Festivals in the New England region, including the Maine Highland Games.
When attending a Highland Games, they set up an encampment and live as "historic" Highlanders for the duration of the Games. During the course of the day, you can stop by their camp watch them in action. Questions are encouraged and you'll likely get impromptu lessons on how to wear the Great Kilt and how a Highlander properly cares for his sword.
For more information, visit the website of the Historic Highlanders.
Slainte,
Dianne
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Historic Highlanders
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Celebration of Celts Festival of Music, Dance & History
If you should fancy a drive to New York this weekend, May 3rd and May 4th, you should visit the Celebration of Celts Festival. Held at the Columbia County Fairgrounds in Chatham, NY, this is a two-day event celebrating not only the Celts but the fifth anniversary of the festival in 2008.
This year's entertainment features the Barra MacNeils and Enter the Haggis, along with several other top-notch performers.
The pipe competition looks like a hoot; check out "Piping Outside the Box".
Their website has a page devoted to the history of Heavy Athletics here.
Click here for their fabulous article on the East Coast Celts (US).
The festival flyer can be downloaded (PDF) here.
Visit the website of the Celebration of Celts Festival.
You can find other New England Highland Games and Festivals by clicking the Highland Games Calendar link located at the top of the Links column.
Slainte,
Dianne
Friday, April 4, 2008
The Games Season Is Upon Us
Well, folks, it's that time of year again. The Northeast Highland Games Season begins this weekend (April 5 & 6, 2008) with the Indoor Scottish Festival in Concord, New Hampshire. This event is sponsored by the New Hampshire School of Scottish Arts. This wonderful school has over 200 students enrolled in classes for Bagpipes, Highland Dance, Scottish and Cape Breton Fiddle, Smallpipes, Highland Drums and Pipe Band work. Check out the school and get more information about the Festival at their website.
You can find out when other Northeast Highland Games are scheduled by clicking on the "Highland Games Calendar" link on the left or you can get a full view of the calendar on-site by scrolling down to the bottom of this blog.
Keep in mind that the Maine Highland Games are Saturday, August 16, 2008. Same time, same location: Thomas Point Beach, Brunswick, Maine. Gates open at 8am.
Slainte,
Dianne
