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Gear up to dive deep into the Welsh traditions on National Eisteddfod commencing on August 1. This spellbinding festival is the crown jewel of Wales' arts and culture scene, with a history dating back over a millennium! The term "Eisteddfod" translates to "sitting together" or "being seated" in Welsh, and is a euphoric gathering of poets, musicians, and artists from all over the country who come together to celebrate their shared culture and artistic skills. With a variety of enthralling events such as choir singing, recital of poetry, harpist performances, and vibrant folk dances, be prepared to witness an avalanche of creativity. So let's rally together and mark our calendars for a spectacular cultural extravaganza!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1176</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Recorded Eisteddfod</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first recorded National Eisteddfod was organized by Rhys ap Gruffydd, the Prince of Deheubarth, in Cardigan Castle.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1819</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Formation of Provinicial Eisteddfodau</div><div class='timeline-text'>Provinicial Eisteddfodau started to form, providing a platform for Welsh culture and language at a local level throughout the 19th century.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1861</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Modern National Eisteddfod</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Eisteddfod in Aberdare marked the start of the modern National Eisteddfod, including competitive arts and literature performances.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1880</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Introduction of Gorsedd Stones</div><div class='timeline-text'> The practice of laying a circle of Gorsedd Stones began at the National Eisteddfod in Denbigh, symbolising the link between modern and ancient Welsh culture.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1947</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Post-War Continuation</div><div class='timeline-text'>Despite economic hardship post World War II, the National Eisteddfod continued to be held annually, demonstrating the resilience of the Welsh culture.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2009</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Online Eisteddfod</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first online-only Eisteddfod y Cymry was held, showcasing the adaptation of this traditional festival to the digital age.</div></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Host a Welsh-themed party</h3><p class='facts-text'>Throw a gathering with all things Welsh. Encourage guests to wear traditional Welsh costumes or colors. Serve classic Welsh dishes like cawl, rarebit, bara brith, and Welsh cakes. Play popular Welsh music and watch recorded performances from previous Eisteddfods!</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Take a virtual Eisteddfod tour</h3><p class='facts-text'>If you can't attend in person, explore the Eisteddfod online. Many organizers live-stream events and provide virtual reality experiences of the festival grounds, performers, exhibits, and more!</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Learn and recite Welsh poetry</h3><p class='facts-text'>One of the key components of the Eisteddfod is poetry. To celebrate, learn and recite a piece of Welsh poetry. If you're feeling adventurous, try learning it in the original language for an added challenge!</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Raise a toast with Welsh beverages</h3><p class='facts-text'>Select a few types of Welsh drinks like Welsh whisky, ciders, or ales to toast to the celebration. Maybe even try creating a cocktail with these as base ingredients!</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Participate in a traditional Welsh folk dance</h3><p class='facts-text'>Dancing is a significant part of Welsh culture and National Eisteddfod celebrations. Search YouTube for instructional videos on how to perform traditional Welsh dances at home. This fun activity will have you feeling like you're right there at the festival!</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Cultural Appreciation</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Eisteddfod Day allows us to appreciate and honour the rich and vibrant Welsh culture. It's a wonderful opportunity for individuals around the globe to learn about traditional Welsh culinary delights, music, and art forms including poetry and dance.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Community and Connectivity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The idea of "sitting together" or "being seated", which is the definition of Eisteddfod in Welsh, encourages a sense of community and connectivity. Whether you're from Wales or not, it's a beautiful chance to foster connections and celebrate common artistic interests.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Creativity and Talent Showcase</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Eisteddfod Day is a stage that showcases some of the best poetic, musical and artistic talents in Wales. By either participating or just watching, we get to witness an avalanche of creative expression and appreciate unparalleled art forms.</p></div></div>
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