Eisteddfod

Summary

When? The first week of August
Where? Wales
How? Literary festival that lasts a whole week

Eisteddfod is a special celebration of song and poetry that takes place in a different part of Wales every year.

The first celebration of Eisteddfod in Wales was held in 1176. Lord Rhys - the ruler of a part of Wales - is believed to have started the celebration. He would invite poets and musicians from all over the world to his castle in Wales. There they would have a competition for the best poet and best musician. The winner got a seat at Lord Rhys' table.

Today there is still a competition organised by the Gorsedd of Bards, an association of poets, writers, musicians and artists who have been important to Welsh language, literature or culture. The members of this association are also called Druids. To honour Welsh poets and writers, they hold three ceremonies during Eisteddfod week, namely:

• the Crowning of the Bard (= the best poet is announced)
• the Awarding of the Prose Medal (= the best writer is announced)
• the Chairing of the Bard (= the best long poem gets announced)

Other activities include concerts, fairs, parades and dressing up.