Highland Village Celebrates Old-time Scottish Christmas

The spirit of Scottish Christmas past is taking over Highland Village.

On Saturday, Dec. 2 and Sunday, Dec. 3, from noon to 4 p.m., the Iona museum will observe Christmas 2006 in the ways of a Gaelic past with Céilidh Na Nollaig (The Christmas Visit), an open house hosted by costumed animators.

The traditional Scottish way of celebrating Christmas in Cape Breton focused on the significance of the holidays, attending church services, and socializing with family and neighbours. In keeping with the Gaels' attention to the spirit of the season, Highland Village will bring old Christmas to life with two afternoons of good fellowship, music, and song in its historic buildings at Hector's Point, overlooking Barramens' Strait.

An event for the whole family to enjoy, Gaelic singing and music will be accompanied by a taste testing of food typical in homes at the time of An Nollaig (Christmas). The Gaels' holiday cuisine includes bonnach (bannock), arain mhilis (sweet breads), and sampler candies at MacLeod's General Store. Hot cider will also be served.

Visitors to Highland Village, which mixes contemporary fashion with past customs, will find a modern reception centre and decorated gift shop stocked with discounted giftware and a wide range of Celtic music. For more information on this or other Highland Village programs, call 902-725-2272 or e-mail <[email protected].>

Highland Village Museum/An Clachan Gàidhealach is located in Iona, Victoria Co., overlooking the Bras d'Or Lakes. It is part of the Nova Scotia Museum family.