Province of Nova Scotia Nightlife Tips by Redlats

Ceilidhs in Cape Breton

It is amazing how omnipresent music is on Cape Breton. We heard more than once that instead of giving a crying baby a rattle, parents give the baby a fiddle -- perhaps this explains why every Cape Bretoner can play or sing or dance. As a result, there are many gatherings with singing and dancing to traditional Scottish or Irish music and storytelling. These are called ceilidhs [pronounced káylee]

The first evening we were on Cape Breton, we attended a ceilidh at the Creamery in Port Hawkesbury. These ceilidhs are held there every Tuesday night during tourist season.

Ceilidh's are community projects - the performers are local musicians, and include such Cape Breton performers as Natalie MacMasters or the Men of the Deep (who we just missed by a week).

Ceilidh's are held throughout Cape Breton during tourist season. We attended two -- the one in Port Hawkesbury and another in Louisburg. Admission for adults ranged from $7 to $14 Cdn.

Directions: throughout Cape Breton Island

Theme: Live Music

Website: http://www.ceilidh.ca/