Kilt trip: The Irish House hosts Celtic Fest
Locals can get a leg up on the competition by entering Celtic Fest"s “best legs in a kilt” contest. (Photo from Shutterstock)
Whether you"re dying to dust off that tartan kilt hiding in the back of your closet or simply want to explore a new live-music festival celebrating local heritage, head to the New Orleans Celtic Festival this weekend, Friday (Feb. 27) through Sunday (March 1).
“There are six or seven Celtic nations. Ireland and Scotland get the most attention, but we"re trying to make the festival more inclusive with an emphasis on presenting menus from each nation,” said Angela Suarez, office administrator for The Irish House on St. Charles Avenue, which is hosting the event. The festival was the brainchild of Dublin-born executive chef Matt Murphy, who opened The Irish House in 2011.
“It was Chef Matt Murphy's dream to have a festival in New Orleans and have local Celtic groups participate.”—Angela Suarez, The Irish House
“It was Chef Matt Murphy"s dream to have a festival in New Orleans and have local Celtic groups participate,” Suarez said.
This year"s lineup of live music and entertainment presents diverse acts reflecting Murphy"s goal: not only preserving Celtic culture, but making it come alive before audiences on the festival"s three stages.
Celtic Fest"s headlining musical acts include the duo of Patrick O"Flaherty and Betsy McGovern on Friday at 7 p.m., Derek Warfield & The Young Wolfe Tones on Saturday at 8 p.m., and The Poor Clares on Sunday at 6 p.m. Though admission to the festival is free, headlining shows are ticketed events taking place in The Irish House"s upstairs dining room.
The weekend also will feature lively performances from local dance troupes, including McTeggart Irish Dancers of Louisiana, Muggivan School of Irish Dance and New Orleans Irish Set Dancers.
Visitors will get the chance to show off their Celtic pride by entering several contests. Men happy to show off their stems should head for the “best legs in a kilt” competition. The most glorious display of gams will be awarded by a panel of judges. Contestants of all ages may enter contests for the reddest hair, greenest eyes and most freckles.
