Each of the four constituent countries (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales) that make up the United Kingdom seems to retain a prideful, almost defiant grip on its individual culture. The efforts to do so on the part of both Ireland and Scotland have been bloody, perhaps causing these nations to establish a firmer footing in their native soil, keeping traditions and cultural hubris alive through the generations, reaching even across the pond to the global descendants of the Gaels.
For 15 years now, this pride has made itself locally evident when the GlasgowLands Scottish Festival is held in Look Park. It’s appropriate, perhaps, that the day-long event takes place in a village—one with its own center and identity within a town—the city of Northampton. Each year clans, highland dancers, bagpipers, re-enactors, cultural artisans and musicians gather to celebrate Scottish culture. This year Zoë Darrow and the Fiddleheads, Charlie Zahm, The Rising and Enter the Haggis perform. Competitions in traditional games like the hammer and caber toss take place, and vendors sell cuisine ranging from fish and chips and shortbread to traditional pies and bridies.
July 19, 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
Look Park, 300 North Main St.
Florence, (413) 584-5457
www.glasgowlands.org
