Join the celebrations of Brigid 1500 Festival next Year
If you’re planning a trip to Ireland in the New Year, make sure to add County Kildare to your travel itinerary. From January 27 to February 6, 2024, the Brigid 1500 Festival will immerse you in a celebration of the extraordinary St. Brigid, showcasing her values of faith, biodiversity, arts, social justice, peace, hospitality, and education.
(You might be interested in our latest blog The Winterval Waterford Festival 2023 is here.)
What is the Brigid 1500 Festival?
The festival promises a diverse program, featuring a range of events such as concerts, talks, art commissions, and pilgrimages. This is not just a cultural extravaganza but an opportunity to delve into the rich history and legacy of St. Brigid, a woman known for her charity, feminine strength, and leadership.
The St. Brigid’s Day concert is a festival highlight that takes place at the Moat Theatre in Naas, St. David’s Church, and The Potato Market, among other venues. Among the well-known actors taking the stage are Eleanor McEvoy, Moya Brennan of Clannad, Mary Coughlan, Gemma Hayes, Una Healy, The Henry Girls, Lisa Lambe, and Nell Mescal.
Events like “Mother Earth: A Day of Food and Music” at The Wonderful Barn in Leixlip and “She Moved Through The Fair: An Evening of Song” at St. Brigid’s Cathedral in Kildare are just two examples of how the celebrations go beyond music. St. Brigid’s Well hosts an annual candlelight pilgrimage and ceremony to begin Féile Bríde, setting a mood of contemplation and serenity.
Art enthusiasts will be treated to specially commissioned St. Brigid art pieces, an artists’ exhibition, and honorary window displays. Additionally, the county will be graced with intriguing light displays at key locations in Athy, Newbridge, and Clane.
St. Brigid’s influence extends far beyond Ireland, and the festival pays homage to her widespread recognition in Europe, England, Scotland, Wales, and continental Europe. From the 18th century onwards, her name and spirit were carried across the globe by missionaries, migrants, and scholars.
According to the Celtic calendar, St. Brigid’s Feast Day on February 1st traditionally heralds the arrival of spring in Ireland. It marks the halfway point between the winter equinox and spring solstice, signalling the arrival of longer and warmer days. Originally known as Imbolc, it was a pagan celebration.
The celebration also honours St. Brigid’s traditions and customs. The making of St. Brigid’s crosses from rushes on her feast day believed to protect homes from fire, is one such tradition. Another involves placing the “Brat Bhride,” also known as “Brigid’s Blanket,” outside at dusk on St. Brigid’s Day eve in order to absorb the dew of the night, which has healing and protective properties.
As you explore the Brigid 1500 Festival, you’ll not only be immersed in the vibrant cultural scene but also gain insights into the life and legacy of St. Brigid. The festival serves as a bridge connecting the past and present, honouring a remarkable woman whose influence transcends time and borders.
A warm welcome awaits all festival-goers in County Kildare, inviting you to experience the magic of St. Brigid and embrace the values she championed. For more information and updates on the program, visit the official Brigid 1500 Festival website or follow them on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate St. Brigid, her life, and her enduring legacy!
