Welcome to Culture Hebrides
The Hebrides is the home of an unique spiritual, civilised culture, the true heartland of the Gaels and the Gaelic language. Hebridean communities are close knit, friendly and safe: more in tune with nature and relaxed and contented with the rhythm of life. People will go out of their way to help you and have the time to be genuinely interested in what you have to say.
A lively and vibrant culture, the Hebridean Celtic Festival, Cẹlas Music Summer School, the Harris Arts Festival and Barra Live are pioneering events that attract people to the Hebrides from all over the world. Cẹlas is an annual summer festival in South Uist with expert tuition in piping, fiddling, singing, dancing and the Gaelic language. Though focusing on Hebridean tradition, Cẹlas also has a strong Cape Breton dimension. Gaelic culture taken to Cape Breton by emigrants from the Gaidhealtachd nearly 200 years ago survived there in relative isolation. Now Cẹlas provides a unique opportunity to bring it all 'back home'. Celebration of cultural links between music, song and dance, and across the north Atlantic, is the School's hallmark.
Pure traditional music also lives on, with the local mods a focal point for junior and adult choirs, musicians, storytellers, poets and actors. Fans of the pipes can hear the Lewis Pipe Band as they parade through Stornoway town centre every Saturday evening in summer.
Visitors have the chance to join in with the locals at Highland games, agricultural shows, ceilidhs, themed evenings in community centres, and events like the Hebridean Maritime Festival and the Hogmanay dances. Arts venues such as An Lanntair in Stornoway and Taigh Chearsabhagh in Uist put on regular exhibitions and arts events, often attracting internationally renowned performers and artists.
The Hebrides' caring, vibrant culture is built on strong religious beliefs. The Sabbath remains a special day, which is appreciated by religious and secular islanders alike: a day with no pressures, you can really relax - walk the beaches and let your thoughts drift away.
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