43.0°,
Partly Cloudy The pipes come calling at Hofstra
Nassau N.Y.’s Hibernians prepare for their annual celebration
There is perhaps no more exquisite way to rejoice in all things Irish than to participate in or attend that most traditional spectacle of Irish dance, music, piping, drumming, language, and athletics known as a feis (pronounced fesh). Lovers of any and all of these activities will surely enjoy Sept. 16 when the Nassau County Board of the Ancient Order of Hibernians holds its 40th annual Feis and Irish Festival on Long Island. This annual event kicks off the fall season in a most delightful way. Experience the age-old traditions of this fascinating festival on the campus of Hofstra University this year. Both the AOH and the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians of Nassau County sponsor the feis.
Nassau AOH’s feis will be held at Hofstra’s South Campus Lacrosse Field, starting at 9 a.m. Admission is $10.
About the Nassau AOH Feis
From as far back as 18th century Ireland, communities came together for special festivals of dance and music. There were competitions, laughter and good times. That tradition lives on in Nassau County, where the AOH’s eight strong divisions join to organize competitions of dance and piping and present awards to the best.
Since 1972, the Ancient Order of Hibernians has presented Nassau County with its annual Irish Feis and Festival. Held every year in September, the feis is a celebration of Irish culture and history.
Nassau AOH’s feis welcomes everyone to enjoy its traditional dance and piping competitions, along with an Irish marketplace, featuring all sorts of Irish-related goods and treats for sale, and a special area for the kids.
And since it’s a Sunday, mass will be said in the morning, at 11 a.m.
It’s a day that clearly centers on Irish tradition. The dance competition showcases the finest Irish dancers in the New York metropolitan area, and pipers from all over come to perform.
There are competitions in Irish singing and art as well. There will be games for children, and Irish football matches, and displays of Irish art. Organizers expect around 2,000 people to attend this year’s celebration.
