Celtic culture celebrated at annual Almonte, Ont. festival

The ever-popular Almonte Celtfest attracted hundreds of visitors looking to celebrate all things Celtic. CTV’s Kimberely Johnson reports.

Celtic culture was celebrated this weekend in the Ottawa Valley at Almonte Celtfest.

Celtfest co-chair Macayla Moore says the festival showcases local Irish, Scottish, francophone and Anishnaabe culture and history. She says it’s a chance to celebrate the traditions that run deep in the region.

“It’s kind of just about the connection,” she said. “The whole event is also about bringing the community together and heritage.”

Moore says the event has been going on for 29 years. It is expected to draw thousands throughout the three-day event.

Olivia Faria and her sister, who are performing Ottawa Valley step dancing on Sunday, say they were inspired to take it up after seeing it for the first time.

“We were really passionate about it,” she said.

The 13-year-old from Brampton says the tradition dates back to the 1800s, combining Scottish, Irish and Métis dance and fiddle playing. Performing in front of a crowd for the first time is a big moment for her.

“I hope one day I see a young kid, want to pick up the fiddle and step dance and say, ‘I got inspired by you,’” she said.

Moore says this year, there’s a focus on inspiring the next generation with a youth showcase on the main stage.

“Now that a lot of us have young kids too, we really want to pass on the heritage and the just the event, the local spirit,” she said.

The event wraps up Sunday, with the last performance scheduled for 5 p.m.

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