|
Ireland is the third largest island in the entire European continent. Though relatively small in stature with respect to population density, yet it has made considerable contribution when speaking about culture and civilization. Just like other European countries, in this part of the world, one can witness many celebrations and festivals meant not only to watch but also to enjoy them to the fullest. In Ireland, mostly festivals are categorized according to the ongoing season when several cultural as well as traditional activities are organized by the Irish people.
For example in the autumn season, you will get to see a number of festivals like the autumn harvest festival, Samahin, November Eve and not to forget the St. Martins Day. Likewise in the spring season, people are known to relax and cherish the seasonal beauty with common and customary festivals like the Chalk Sunday, Saint Patrick’s Day, Ester and most importantly, May Day, the day for the laborer.
Even when the Sun seems to be tremendously unkind to the Irish people with its scorching heat yet the people who stay in this part of the world are known to celebrate and enjoy a number of popular festivals. Some of the important festivals and celebratory occasions of the Irish people organized during summer include the likes of Bonfire night, Midsummer’s eve, Orange day parade, Lughnasa and Pucks fair. The most popular festivals that are celebrated by the Irish people in the winter season are undoubtedly the Christmas. However, other festivals like Saint Stephens’s Day and Saint Brigid’s Day are the other important Irish celebrations that are part of the winter festivals in Ireland.
Apart from the usual seasonal festivals, there are quite a few other occasions which are celebrated with pomp and gaiety by the people of this country. If we are in the process of categorizing Irish festivals with respect to religion, then Saint Patrick’s Day, St. Stephens’s Day and Blessings of the Sea are the other ones that can be considered as important celebrations in Ireland.
Secular festivals like the Adare Jazz festival, Cork Jazz festival, Pan Celtic festival, Galway Arts festival and the Letter Kenny Folk festival deserve a special mention. This is primarily due to the fact that they are celebrated with immense enthusiasm by people of all backgrounds in Ireland. However, the Puck Fair, Cork Regatta Week, Kil Kenny Arts Week, Lisdoonvarna and most importantly the Matchmaking festival also enjoy a position of eminence in the Irish society.
For more information on specific Irish festivals, make sure you scroll down the pages of .
|
