A Ferry Proud Tradition

July 16, 2010 - PRLog -- Brittany is one of the six Celtic regions that are recognised by the Celtic League.  The other regions are Ireland, Scotland, Isle of Man, Wales and Cornwell.  These Celtic nations are places that have kept their own Celtic languages and culture.  The word nation is used because it is meant to recognise a people with the same culture, beliefs, traits and traditions – deeper than a modern conception of nationality.

Brittany's strong Celtic culture makes it distinct from other French regions. French is spoken in Brittany, but roughly a quarter of the population in Brittany are able to speak Breton which is a Celtic language that is similar to Cornish and Welsh.  Breizh-Izel is an area in Brittany where Celtic Language is spoken daily; it is located in the western region of Brittany. Many gites in Brittany in the Breizh-Izein  which have some Celtic markings and visitors will definitely notice evidence of the Celtic culture.

In the past Breton was a language that was used by the upper classes, but after the 12th century it was the only language that people from west Brittany spoke, although the upper class nobles started to speak French.  Today Breton is still spoken by roughly 200,000 people although you could say this nothing compared to the 1.3 million people that spoke the language in the 1930s.  

When it comes to music it’s the traditional instrument that gives you a unique experience, taken from Irish origins the Celtic harp is a regular feature in music.  But if there is one instrument that defines Breton music then it’s the Bombard.  The Bombard known as the Ar Vombard or the Talabard is a wind instrument which is popular with Breton.  

The most generally known type of Breton vocal music in Brittany is Kan ha diskan.. Considered an integral part of the Breton roots revival it is Breton vocals completing dance music.  Even modern music in various other genres has had a Celtic twist to them; recently an influx of music has been using Breton Celtic language
The Festival Interceltique de Lorient is an annual gathering that takes place in the centre of the city every August and features a lot of Celtic artists ranging from Traditional, classical, jazz and rock Musicians and singers.  Also there will be dancers, painters, sculptors, writers and loads from similar professions.  These people will come from all other Celtic nations and those who take up/practice Celtic traditions.  The sites of the festival are held throughout the city and the main site is the Lorient football stadium.  There are loads of things to do during this gathering. For the hungry person it usually starts with a seafood fest, for the aspiring musician there are master classes on various instruments, and if you don’t feel like joining in you could always just watch a concert or fireworks show.

There is another festival called Fest Noz which is Breton for night festival.  It is a traditional festival that is very much like the Irish céilí.  Fest noz isn't like Festival Interceltique de Lorient, it is smaller and more like a friendly gathering than a party.  Fest Noz focuses on traditional dancing that features most of the Breton dances from back in the day.  Fest Noz is held in Brittany, but it is also held in other places that are in the Celtic circle.

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