Highland Village Celebrates Old-time Scottish Christmas

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The spirit of Scottish Christmas past is taking over Highland Village.

On Saturday, Dec. 2 and Sunday, Dec. 3, from noon to 4 p.m., the Iona museum will observe Christmas 2006 in the ways of a Gaelic past with Céilidh Na Nollaig (The Christmas Visit), an open house hosted by costumed animators.

The traditional Scottish way of celebrating Christmas in Cape Breton focused on the significance of the holidays, attending church services, and socializing with family and neighbours. In keeping with the Gaels' attention to the spirit of the season, Highland Village will bring old Christmas to life with two afternoons of good fellowship, music, and song in its historic buildings at Hector's Point, overlooking Barramens' Strait.

An event for the whole family to enjoy, Gaelic singing and music will be accompanied by a taste testing of food typical in homes at the time of An Nollaig (Christmas). The Gaels' holiday cuisine includes bonnach (bannock), arain mhilis (sweet breads), and sampler candies at MacLeod's General Store. Hot cider will also be served.

Visitors to Highland Village, which mixes contemporary fashion with past customs, will find a modern reception centre and decorated gift shop stocked with discounted giftware and a wide range of Celtic music. For more information on this or other Highland Village programs, call 902-725-2272 or e-mail highlandvillage@gov.ns.ca.

Highland Village Museum/An Clachan Gàidhealach is located in Iona, Victoria Co., overlooking the Bras d'Or Lakes. It is part of the Nova Scotia Museum family.

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FOR BROADCAST USE:

     The spirit of Christmas past is taking over Highland

Village.

     On Saturday (December 2nd) and Sunday (December 3rd), from

noon to 4 p.m., Highland Village in Iona, Victoria County, will

celebrate Christmas 2006 with the open house celebration, Céilidh

na Nollaig (The Christmas Visit.) An event for

ages and the whole family, Gaelic singing, fiddle music

and traditional foods will greet guests in the village's period

houses.

     The Highland Village gift shop will also be open, featuring

a large range of Celtic music, books and crafts. Admission is

free.

     For more information, call Highland Village 902-725-2272

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Media Contact: Jim Watson
              Highland Village Museum/An Clachan Gàidhealach
              902-725-2272
              E-mail: watson@gov.ns.ca