Galway's newest festival celebrates ancient links with Bealtaine
Fleadh na Bealtaine, a new traditional music and cultural festival, will run from Thursday, April 30, to Monday, May 4, in Galway City, celebrating the traditional start of Summer.
Spearheaded by the Latin Quarter, the gathering will feature four days of trad music, theatre spectacles, food and drink, dance, traditions and storytelling for all the family, with most of the events being free. It was launched this week in Taaffe's Bar by musician, TV presenter and podcaster Doireann Ní Ghlacainn.
A highlight of Fleadh na Bealtaine will be trad sessions, focusing on the performers and venues that regularly provide music for locals and visitors. There will be céilí and sean-nós dancing, and dancing at the crossroads. Family céilís during the weekend are designed to encourage children to get involved.
Recognising the importance of May Day as the start of 'farming summer', a parade called ‘Buaile na mBó’, featuring a cow, will be held on Friday May 1.
While there might not be flames, fire will be central to the weekend, given the assocciation between Bealtine and bright fires. There will also be pop-up theatrical performances and street workshops ranging from basket-making to wool weaving, as well as seanchaí sessions.
Different traditional dishes will be served in pubs and restaurants and there will be outdoor markets with food, crafts and local produce as well as with demos, talks and tasting events.
Chairperson of the Latin Quarter Edel O’Connell describes the festival as "a coming together of businesses, with one aspiration – to all work together to showcase all Galway has on its doorsteps, the offering available every day. individually and collectively this is a massive step forward of businesses working together".
The festival is supported by Galway City Council through the Night-Time Economy Programme. Visit fleadhnabealtaine.ie for the full programme, or follow it on social media.