An Eisteddfod

4.5

An eisteddfod is a Welsh festival which takes place every summer. The tradition goes back to the Middle Ages when competitions in poetry and singing were organized. The old chronicles say that people liked those popular festivals.

When Wales was invaded by England in 1283, these traditional competitions were forbidden.

But now the eisteddfods are held again and this old Welsh tradition has come back. Today an eisteddfod lasts a week and the competitions are listened to by thousands of people. Poems are read. Songs are sung by choirs and singers. Such an eisteddfod is a great demonstration of a people’s culture.

At the end of the festival the best poet is crowned with a wreath of golden oak-leaves which is placed on his head. Then people begin to shout in one voice a Welsh word which means peace.