How It’s New York: This Breton blow-out is put on by BZH- NY, a group run by Charles Kergaravat to promote Breton culture.
How It’s Irish: It’s Celtic, and if you spend time in the West of Ireland you’re almost certain to meet some French-speaking players. Brittany is one of the seven Celtic nations, and you can really hear it in the music. The Festival Interceltique de Lorient: August (Lorient, Morbihan) is supposed to be one of the best around! One of these summers I’ll get there!
Last year we did an interview with Charles as he geared up for Fest Noz for the podcast; download and listen to it here!
Ever been to a Chieftains concert? That snake dance they always do at the end is Breton, and the often play with Breton musicians. That should give you an idea of the fun to be had! The dances are super social and easy to learn. The festival goes back to Medieval times.
It’s named for Saint Yves (Saint Ivo of Kermartin), described by Wiki as a 13th century priest who devoted his life to the poor.
Once a year, believers go on a “Pardon“, the saint’s feast day of the parish. It often begins with a procession followed by a mass in honour of the saint.
Somehow this has morphed into a Breton ceili. At Connoly’s Times Square, it starts at 7 and goes until 2!
ST YVES 2012 – La Fête de la Bretagne
Sat. 5/19, FEST NOZ
121 W 45th street from 7pm- 2am.
$15 cover, $10 for BZH NY members
the region of Brittany, France.
is a province of France since 1532.
Brittany is one of the six Celtic Nations.
