The Festival Interceltique de Lorient, or the Lorient Interceltic Festival, is an annual celebration that takes place in the city of Lorient, Brittany, France. It is the largest gathering of Celtic nations in the world and it showcases the culture and traditions of regions that have a Celtic heritage.
The festival began in 1971 and since then, it has been held every year in August. It lasts for about 10 days and involves participants from all over the Celtic world including Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Isle of Man, Brittany (Bretagne), Galicia, and Asturias. Some years also include participants from non-traditional Celtic nations such as the United States, Canada, and Australia due to their large populations of Celtic descendants.
The festival is a vibrant display of Celtic music, dance, traditional games, processions, and cuisine. It features performances from hundreds of artists, both traditional and contemporary, and the range of styles includes everything from folk and rock to classical and jazz, all with a Celtic twist.
The Lorient Interceltic Festival is known for its Grand Parade of Celtic Nations, a colourful procession that usually takes place on the first Sunday of the festival. It involves thousands of musicians, dancers, and artists from the participating countries, all dressed in traditional attire.
Other highlights include the Interceltic Night, a spectacular concert held at the local stadium, and the Celtic Horse Day, which celebrates the role of horses in Celtic culture. Each year, the festival also chooses a particular Celtic nation or region as the "guest of honour" to showcase its unique culture and traditions.
Click here to access the Lorient Interceltic Festival organisers website.