Ceilidh Series at X

What better way to celebrate Canadian East Coast culture than attending a Ceilidh? On November 25 at 7 pm, Flourish@X and Catholics@X invite you to a Ceilidh at St. Ninian Place consisting of live entertainment from students, square dancing, baked goods, coffee and tea, and a raffle. This can be a great way to de-stress after midterms and have one last hurrah with fellow students before final exams and the Christmas break.

Ceilidh is a Gaelic word for “party” or “social gathering.” They are a popular social event in Cape Breton and can be large fundraisers for the community. Though Ceilidhs frequently involve a square dance, they do not have to. Ceilidhs involve multiple live performers, generally including a local fiddler and pianist.

The Ceilidh series at St. FX is hosted by Flourish@X and Catholics@X who have also partnered with the East Coast Music Society and CFXU 93.9 FM “The Fox” to help run them. Joshua Kroker, a third year student who has been involved in organizing the events, encourages students to come give the Ceilidh a try, regardless of whether or not you have any experience square dancing. The Ceilidh series is an excellent way to get to know and celebrate Gaelic traditions in a fun and inclusive environment.

This is not the first time that St. FX has hosted a Ceilidh event. On March 31, 2023, members of the community gathered at St. FX for a spring Ceilidh to enjoy some Cape Breton music and square dancing. The organizations hosting the Ceilidh wanted to expand it to a series of multiple events leading up to one big one. Furthermore, Celtic traditions are a big part of the identity in this area, and the organizers wanted to provide students with the opportunity to feel the culture of Antigonish. So far this fall, two Ceilidh events have taken place, one on October 21 and another on November 2, both of which gave the opportunity to practice square dancing prior to the Christmas Ceilidh. Each event had a great turn out of around 20-30 people.

When asked why students should participate in the Ceilidh, Kroker said: “it’s a great way to get to know the community and to learn more about where you’re studying. When we come to StFX, we’re a part of a greater community which is Antigonish and these Gaelic and traditional roots that also go a little further than Antigonish.” Kroker recalled his first time attending a Ceilidh as someone who had no square dancing experience. He explained how it was an incredibly welcoming experience because everyone was patient and simply wanted to have a good time.

So, if you would like to expand your knowledge of the Gaelic roots and identity of Antigonish in an inclusive and welcoming environment, you are welcome to come out to the Christmas Ceilidh on November 25th!