Air Chéilidh

What a feast it was!

From January 19 to March 1, the Air Chéilidh team hosted six online visits around the theme Féisd a’ Gheamhraidh | A “Winter’s Feast.” 

Each Friday evening we explored the many ways that our Gaelic traditions nourish and sustain us throughout our lives. We heard stories from Nova Scotia Gaels, Mi’kmaw neighbours, the archives and the Old Country (Scotland).

We celebrated creativity and the passing on of tradition, whether through music, dance and customs or the Gaelic language itself. We explored humour and death, and realized how often these two cultural strands are woven together. We listened to guests and each other in the breakout rooms. We learned, shared and carried forward the stories we want more of.

Many of us left feeling inspired to learn more songs, visit our neighbours, listen to archive recordings, remember our ancestors and bring more fun into our lives! 

Thank you to our guests

Thank you, everyone!

Thanks to Gaelic Affairs Nova Scotia for their generous funding support; to Amanda Bostlund for smooth maintenance of the website and information channels, to Margie Beaton for all the social media graphics, to Màiri Britton.for the beautifully written summary posts, and to Susan Lorraine at How We Thrive for guiding us with such skill and grace through another season.  

Our biggest thanks go to all of you who attended the visits, bringing your own stories, experiences, curiosity and open hearts, and joining us at the feasting table.

Tapadh leibh uile is tha sinn an dòchas gum faic sinn an ceann ùine gun a bhith ro fhada! | Thank you so much and we hope to see you again before too long! 

The 2024 Air Chéilidh team

Meet the guests, hear our stories, watch the recordings

Why Air Chéilidh?

Experience Gaelic hospitality and discover what Gaelic language and culture mean to you.

For many English speakers, céilidh conjures up images of a musical gathering in a hall or pub where you pay to be entertained. But in Scottish Gaelic, a céilidh is a visit, where news is exchanged, stories and maybe some tunes or songs are shared, accompanied by tea and a bite to eat. A céilidh is a participatory affair, where you leave a bit more knowledgeable and uplifted than when you arrived. It is time well spent.

Please join us—whether you are totally new to the language and culture with no family connections, grew up among Gaels but don’t speak the language, or you are a fluent speaker. Come and explore what Gaelic language and culture means to you, your community, and our world.

Nach tig sibh air chéilidh? Won’t you come for a visit? Ur beath’ a-staigh. You are welcome in the house.