Ceilidh

Ceilidh, pronounced kay-lee in Scottish Gaelic, is a social gathering featuring traditional music and dancing. The word originally meant a visit or gathering in Gaelic, but in modern usage it denotes an informal party where people dance to live folk music, often with a caller providing instructions.

Ceilidh music typically features fiddle, piano or keyboard, pipes, flute, accordion, and percussion, performed by a small ensemble or band. Dances are usually group or couple dances, and the program includes several figures taught by a caller. The emphasis is on participation and sociability, with instructions given to help attendees join in.

Origins lie in Scottish Gaelic and Irish Gaelic culture, and ceilidhs have spread to Scotland, Ireland, and the Irish and Scottish diasporas worldwide. They are common at weddings, community halls, and festivals, and are central to social life in many rural and urban communities. In many settings, ceilidhs function as informal social events that bring together people of varying ages and experience levels.

In contemporary contexts, ceilidhs may feature modern arrangements and venues such as universities, clubs, and public events. While rooted in Gaelic tradition, ceilidh events can be inclusive and cross-cultural, sometimes blending contemporary music with traditional dances and using modern sound systems.