The idea of a Celtic festival in Avilés was born following the 1993 Inter-Celtic Festival of Lorient (Festival Interceltique de Lorient) in France. Members of the Cultural Association Esbardu based in Avilés participated in the festival and started working on a similar (although smaller) event on their return home. In 1997, the Asturian regional government allocated a small budget for the festival. The event also received financial support from Avilés Town Hall.
The inaugural Interceltic Festival of Avilés took place in 1997 and was a success. It became an annual event that has been growing since its inception. For example, the 2006 edition featured 1,175 artists and 150 performances and acts over 11 days. The festival parade included 800 actors, dancers and musicians. In 2009, the Regional Authorities of the Principality of Asturies officially declared the festival the Celebration of Regional Tourist Interest (Fiesta de Interés Turístico Regional).
The Interceltic Festival of Avilés takes place throughout the comarca of Avilés that includes ten municipalities (Avilés, Candamo, Castrillón, Corvera de Asturias, Cudillero, Gozón, Illas, Muros de Nalón, Pravia, and Soto del Barco), but the municipality of Avilés remains the main organizer of the event.
The main goal of the Interceltic Festival of Avilés is to promote the cultural traditions of the Celtic nations, including music, dance, theater, painting, sculpture, cuisine, traditional crafts, and more. Over the years, the festival has welcomed participants from Asturias, Brittany, Galicia, Wales, Ireland, and Scotland. The festival features music bands, bagpipe bands, dance groups, and more. Its programs includes concerts, workshops, and other events and activities for visitors of all ages and backgrounds who want to learn more about Celtic culture.
Photo: fia.esbardu.org
