ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Folks across New Mexico traveled to the metro this weekend to experience Celtic culture. The annual Rio Grande Valley Celtic Festival kicked off at Balloon Fiesta Park on Saturday.
Some of the main events include bagpipe and drum performances, a Highland dance competition, and lots of traditional sporting events like the caber toss, hammer throw, and the sheaf toss, which involves throwing a heavy burlap sack high into the air using a pitchfork. Organizers say the festival is a joyful time, even for first-timers.
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“There’s always brand new interest. There’s always people who come who have never heard of the festival. ‘I didn’t know it was here, I’m so glad we came.’ You don’t have to be Scottish, Irish, or any kind of Celt, just come on down, and we’ll help you get your Celt on,” said festival president Sue Jacobi.
About 3,000 people attend Celt Fest every year. The two-day festival is in its 38th year…