Annabel Pyne

Contributing Writer

The 38th Celtic Classic, sponsored by the Celtic Cultural Alliance, was celebrated the weekend of Sept. 27, where Celtic heritage was promoted through education, music, games and their annual parade. 

The Celtic Cultural Alliance, a non-profit organization, hosted their annual Celtic Classic festival in Historic Downtown Bethlehem attracting over 200,000 visitors over the three-day event, according to Celtic Cultural Alliance.

“It means I’m Irish for the day along with everyone! It’s become a family tradition we look forward to going to every September” attendee Blasia Duhnam said.

Celtic Classic has people from all over the world. According to the Celtic Alliance website, 40% of attendees are from the Lehigh Valley and 60% of visitors are from other parts of the United States and abroad. Admission is free, so it is an accessible day trip for families and friends.

They also provide a wide collection of Celtic beers such as Baileys Irish Cream, Guinness, Smirnoff and more for purchase. There are also nonalcoholic options such as hot chocolate, bottled water and Coca-Cola products.

One of the more significant events of the festivities, the Showing of the Tartan Parade, stepped off on Sept. 27 at 11:30 a.m. Local high schools’ bands such as Liberty, Freedom and Bangor performed in the parade alongside with the U.S. Naval Academy Pipe Band and several Competing Grade 4 Pipe Bands.

This is the 20th year that Celtic Classic is hosting the U.S. National Highland Games Championship. Professionals every year compete across the U.S. to accumulate points, and the top scorers compete at Celtic Classic for the National Champion title. They compete in medieval Celtic games such as lifting a heavy stone, throwing a hammer, and tossing of the caber.

The origins of the Highland Games are unknown, but are still a tradition that continues to be celebrated.

“This was my first time going to Celtic Classic. I was super impressed by all the vendors and activities. There was seriously something for everyone. The event space itself was great, and I really enjoyed strolling through historic Bethlehem while taking it all in,” said Timothy, an East Stroudsburg University student.

The music also has a unique Celtic style with some modern style sometimes mixed in. There are 5 stages with performers ranging from local to international artists. They also host the Celtic Classic Fiddle Competition where two age groups, 13 and under, and 14 to 17, can compete using Celtic fiddling styles, specifically Irish, Scottish, Breton, Cape Breton, Cornish, Shetland and Galician.

Celtic Classic in Bethlehem is a long-held tradition in the Lehigh Valley that offers locals and visitors an opportunity to celebrate or explore their Celtic Heritage.