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Date: 8/24/2022
WEST SPRINGFIELD — The Irish Cultural Center of Western New England will host its annual Lúnasa Feis on Aug. 28.
A feis was originally a type of arts and cultural festival dating back to ancient Gaelic times in both Ireland and Scotland (the Scottish term is “fèis”). Over time, the event has transformed into primarily a type of dance competition.
Sunday’s feis is in the Young Building on the grounds of the Eastern States Exposition. More than 400 dancers are expected to travel from all over the Northeast to compete on multiple stages for trophies and bragging rights, slipping and jigging along to music played on string instruments by musicians who undergo special training to provide the backing track for this celebration and tournament. Competitors will be judged on a 100-point scale, similar to gymnastics.
“Visitors are welcome to attend this celebration of Irish culture. Dogs are not permitted, except service animals. There is no video recording allowed at the competition,” reads a press release issued by the Irish Cultural Center.
Tickets and parking are $5, and visitors should enter at Gate 9 of the Big E, 875 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. The competition will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information, visit www.LunasaFeis.org. The Irish Cultural Center is based on Morgan Road in West Springfield.