Interceltique

Interceltique is a term used to describe cooperation and cultural exchange among the Celtic nations and to refer specifically to major events that celebrate Celtic identity, language, and arts. In common usage it most often denotes the Festival Interceltique de Lorient, an annual cultural festival held in Lorient, Brittany, France.

The festival was established in 1971 by Breton cultural associations with the aim of showcasing and reviving Celtic languages and traditions while promoting cross-cultural dialogue among Celtic regions. It has since become a high-profile gathering that brings together artists, ensembles, and communities from Brittany and other Celtic nations, including Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Cornwall, the Isle of Man, and Galicia, as well as related diasporas. The program typically features a mix of concerts, traditional dance, parades, street performances, exhibitions, and workshops, spanning multiple days.

Beyond music and performance, Interceltique activities often emphasize language promotion, folklore, crafts, and education, providing a platform for younger generations to engage with their linguistic and cultural heritage. The festival also serves as a hub for interceltic networking, enabling collaborative projects in music, literature, and cultural preservation across Celtic communities.

As a broader concept, interceltic engagement encompasses ongoing exchanges between Celtic regions through festivals, language initiatives, publishing, and regional cooperation. While the Lorient festival is the most visible manifestation, interceltique as a movement seeks to sustain and integrate Celtic identities within a plural European cultural landscape.