Eisteddfod
The Eisteddfod ( [ eistɛðvɔd ], plural Eisteddfodau, sit from the Welsh eistedd =) is a festival of literature, music and singing in Wales. The tradition of artists meeting goes back to the first Eisteddfod in Cardigan in the 12th century, but was almost forgotten in the meantime. Only in the 18th century, it was revived in the context of romantic movements.
There are the so-called National Eisteddfod ( Eisteddfod Genedlaethol ), which is held annually, alternately in the first week of August in the south and the north of Wales. It takes place exclusively in Welsh language, and a ceremony or a price with one Eisteddfodd is for the artist a high distinction. The venue of the National Eisteddfodd will each announced in the previous year, together with the publication of the topics and texts.
For adolescents aged 7-24 yr Urdd Eisteddfod there is organized by the youth organization Urdd Gobaith Cymru, will be held at the competitions for singers, performing artists, dancers, musicians and actors. It takes place regularly during the summer holidays in different places instead, and every four years in Cardiff.
International best known being the International Eisteddfod, which is held annually in Llangollen. Here take part choirs, folk dance groups and other artists from around the world. It has been held since 1947 and is one of the largest events of its kind, in 2004 there was - unsuccessfully - nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.
The Eisteddfod is organized by the Welsh bard Association Gorsedd Ynys Prydain Beirdd ( Welsh for Gorsedd of the Bards of the Island of Britain ) and organized. One of the most famous members of the Gorsedd is since August 2002, the former Archbishop of Wales and former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams.