Ceili at the Roundhouse Celtic Festival

05/13/2026

🧚‍♂️ Warning: Enter the Month of Hawthorn (Uath) at your own risk! Today begins the Celtic lunar month of the Hawthorn, a tree so deeply tied to the "Fairy Folk" that many people in Ireland still refuse to cut them down for fear of bad luck.
The Hawthorn was known as the "Fairies’ Trysting Tree." While it’s beautiful with its white blossoms, it’s also quite thorny—reminding us that the most beautiful things in life often require a little protection and respect.

Think of the Hawthorn as the original "Keep Off the Grass" sign from the Sidhe (the fairies). We don't mess with their trees, and they (hopefully) don't hide our car keys! 😂🔑

05/10/2026

Happy Mothers Day! 🌺

05/07/2026

05/01/2026

🌸 Happy May Day!
In Ireland and across Celtic lands, today is a day for May Flowers. Traditionally, children would gather yellow blossoms like primrose or gorse before dawn to leave in "May Baskets" on neighbors' doorsteps as a surprise blessing.
We want to send a virtual "May Basket" of gratitude to YOU—our supporters. Your generosity is the "blossom" that helps our programs grow year-round. 💐
Let’s spread some May Day cheer! Tag a friend in the comments and leave them a "virtual flower" emoji (🌸🌼🌻) to brighten their Friday and let them know you are grateful for them!

04/29/2026

🔥 Get ready to spark some joy—Beltane is almost here! Marking the arrival of summer, Beltane (Bealtaine) is one of the four major Celtic fire festivals.
In ancient times, communities would light massive "balefires" to protect their livestock and celebrate the "bright half" of the year. It was a time of explosive energy, growth, and—of course—plenty of dancing! 💃🕺
Fun Fact: Ever wonder where the Maypole dance comes from? It’s a classic Beltane tradition! The ribbons represent the weaving together of the community’s intentions for the coming year.

What are you excited for this summer?

04/28/2026

The Master Builders 🏛️
Forget the "mud hut" myth!
The Celts were master metalworkers and road-builders long before the Romans arrived. They created a massive network of paved roads across Europe to trade their famous gold jewelry and iron weapons. They were also the first to use iron-rimmed wheels on their chariots, making them the fastest and most dangerous drivers of the ancient world.

04/26/2026

Move over, gladiators—Celtic women were the original powerhouses!
In Celtic society, women could own land, choose their own husbands, and even lead entire armies. The most famous was Boudicca, a warrior queen who led a massive revolt that nearly drove the Roman Empire out of Britain. While women in Rome and Greece were often confined to the home, Celtic women were out on the front lines and in the halls of power.

04/25/2026

Did you know that for Ancient Celts, being fit was literally the law? 🏋️‍♂️⚔️
Back in the day, Celtic warriors were so obsessed with staying in battle-ready shape that they had a "belt test." Every man in the tribe had to fit into a standard-sized girdle or belt. If you grew a "pot belly" and couldn't buckle it, you could actually be fined or publicly shamed for being too soft!

04/20/2026

To look extra terrifying in battle, Celtic warriors would wash their hair with lime water. It bleached their hair bone-white and made it so stiff it stood up in sharp spikes.

04/17/2026

We're so excited for our upcoming fundraiser with NU2U! April 25th, from 10-4, you can support the arts and find amazing finds at everyone's favorite thrift store in Evanston. Support the arts! Support local businesses!

04/15/2026

🌿 Today marks the beginning of the Celtic Tree Month of Willow (Saille). For the ancient Celts, the willow was a symbol of flexibility, intuition, and healing because it grows near water and bends without breaking.

The willow reminds us that there is strength in being flexible. How are you "bending but not breaking" this week? Share with us below! 👇