The Fèisean
by mygaelic.com
- BeurlaEnglish
- Gàidhlig ShìmplidhSimple Gaelic
- GàidhligGaelic
Music, songs, traditions, stories and all the other things that make for a good ceilidh: they have all long been at the heart of Gaelic culture. However, although there was no shortage of teachers and tradition-bearers in the past to pass on this culture to young Gaels, more recently people began to worry that the transmission of Gaelic music and culture between the generations was breaking down. What happened next was the beginning of an amazing cultural revolution driven by community volunteers, which has spread across much of Scotland.
Fèis Bharraigh or the Barra Festival was the first teaching fèis or festival, and was established in 1981, and will forever be associated with Father Colin MacInnes and the famous piper Dr Angus MacDonald, who were instrumental in the success of this first fèis. What followed was the appearance of more than 40 other teaching festivals across Scotland, and the founding of the umbrella organisation Fèisean nan Gàidheal, which supports and advises the many festivals.
The popularity of the Fèisean is down to a simple philosophy: use some of the best musicians and teachers around to allow young people to learn in a fun and friendly environment. From the bodhran to drama, young people are encouraged to learn and enjoy themselves in an encouraging atmosphere often within their own community. Another pillar of the Fèisean is Gaelic. The festivals are all encouraged to make Gaelic an important part of what they do, with Gaelic classes, and tuition through the medium of Gaelic. The Fèisean grew from the communities, and they are still very much rooted in those communities.
The Fèisean have produced a generation of young, talented musicians and singers who are beginning to make their mark on the music scene in a big way, and some of them are now teaching the next generation. Music and language come together in the festivals to maintain Gaelic culture through learning and fun, and new Fèisean are appearing every year it seems. The fèis phenomenon: a Gaelic success story.
Find out more:
25 Years of the Fèisean – Book
