Féile

Féile is a word in the Irish language that means festival or feast. In contemporary usage it refers to a community, arts, or cultural festival, often spanning several days and featuring performances, workshops, and cultural activities. The term is used in the names of many events across Ireland and among Irish communities abroad.

Etymology and tradition: The word derives from Gaelic roots describing festive gatherings. Historically, feasts marked saints’ days, harvests, or other seasonal occasions and served as communal occasions for music, storytelling, and ritual. In modern Ireland and the diaspora, Féile festivals typically blend traditional elements with contemporary arts, culture, and social themes.

Notable example: One well-known Féile is Féile an Phobail (Festival of the People) in West Belfast, a major annual arts and cultural festival that originated in the late 1980s and features music, theatre, comedy, cinema, and community discussions.

Characteristics and organization: Féile events are usually organized by local communities, arts groups, or city or council bodies. They often involve multiple venues, free public performances, workshops, parades or processions, and collaborations with schools, libraries, and volunteers. The programming tends to emphasize accessibility, community participation, and cross-cultural engagement.

See also: The term féile has the plural féilí. It is widely used across Ireland to name regional and local festivals and is a common feature of Irish cultural life.