The Largest Gathering of Celts in Central Texas returns for its 16th celebration!
November 3 & 4, 2012
Fiesta Gardens on Ladybird Lake in Austin, Texas
Noon to 7:30pm Sat. & Sun.
November 3 & 4, 2012
Fiesta Gardens on Ladybird Lake in Austin, Texas
Noon to 7:30pm Sat. & Sun.
Austin Highland Games
THE AUSTIN HIGHLAND GAMES all day Saturday AND Sunday
These "Heavy Games" bring out area warriors to compete in feats of strength. Led by World Champion Highland Athlete, Mike Baab, the competition starts at the beginning of the festival each day and runs all afternoon. Competition includes Men's, Ladies's and Children's categories.
Adult Categories include:
Masters
Light Weights
Ladies
and Open
Challenges include:
Braemar
Open Stone
Caber Toss
Weight over Bar
Strongman competitions.
The crowd favorite Caber Toss will take place at approximately 3pm.
Children's Highland Games: Sign up your child at the Highland Games Tent!
Find time and info there. For adults that would like to compete contact: Mike Baab at mikebaab@yahoo.com.
These "Heavy Games" bring out area warriors to compete in feats of strength. Led by World Champion Highland Athlete, Mike Baab, the competition starts at the beginning of the festival each day and runs all afternoon. Competition includes Men's, Ladies's and Children's categories.
Adult Categories include:
Masters
Light Weights
Ladies
and Open
Challenges include:
Braemar
Open Stone
Caber Toss
Weight over Bar
Strongman competitions.
The crowd favorite Caber Toss will take place at approximately 3pm.
Children's Highland Games: Sign up your child at the Highland Games Tent!
Find time and info there. For adults that would like to compete contact: Mike Baab at mikebaab@yahoo.com.
SCOTTISH HIGHLAND GAMES
HISTORY OF THE HIGHLAND GAMES
The Heavy Sports or Highland Games can be traced as far back as Scotland's King Malcolm Canmore's search for the Highland's greatest warriors some 900 years ago and further back to the Irish book on Leinster from the 12th Century.
This makes the Games one of the oldest competitive sports tradition in the world.
The games in Scotland grew in number and popularity throughout the centuries, but received a mortal blow with the Act of Proscription in 1746 which followed the unsuccessful rebellion of 1745. This act outlawed Scottish customs, dress and gatherings. But, eventually the games began anew and the largest one is now the Braemar Gathering.
The Heavy Sports or Highland Games can be traced as far back as Scotland's King Malcolm Canmore's search for the Highland's greatest warriors some 900 years ago and further back to the Irish book on Leinster from the 12th Century.
This makes the Games one of the oldest competitive sports tradition in the world.
The games in Scotland grew in number and popularity throughout the centuries, but received a mortal blow with the Act of Proscription in 1746 which followed the unsuccessful rebellion of 1745. This act outlawed Scottish customs, dress and gatherings. But, eventually the games began anew and the largest one is now the Braemar Gathering.
The first Highland games in the United States occurred when the Highland Society of New York
held its 'first sportive meeting' in 1836. Many US events focus on weight trails whereas games in
Scotland offer a wider
range of athlete events including track and field, pole vault, even swimming.
The Austin Highland Games center on tests of strengths and those challenges that our space and time allow, giving it is own Austin nitch. - EDM
range of athlete events including track and field, pole vault, even swimming.
The Austin Highland Games center on tests of strengths and those challenges that our space and time allow, giving it is own Austin nitch. - EDM
Caber Pole Tossing
The origin of this most traditional of Scottish athletic events is somewhat obscure, even though records of its existence date back to the 16th century. This event may well have begun as a military discipline developed to breach fortifications and barriers, or possibly it was an impromptu way to span swift mountain streams. However, the modern Caber toss has a more peaceful purpose. It measures strength, accuracy and balance.
In the amateur events, the caber is 17 feet long and weighs 90 pounds. In professional events, the caber is 23 feet long and weighs 135 lbs.
The object of the contest is to toss the pole end-over-end so that it lands with the small end pointing directly away from the contestant. The athlete with the straightest toss wins. Distance has no bearing on the outcome of the event. Three tosses are allowed and all are scored to judge the winner.
The origin of this most traditional of Scottish athletic events is somewhat obscure, even though records of its existence date back to the 16th century. This event may well have begun as a military discipline developed to breach fortifications and barriers, or possibly it was an impromptu way to span swift mountain streams. However, the modern Caber toss has a more peaceful purpose. It measures strength, accuracy and balance.
In the amateur events, the caber is 17 feet long and weighs 90 pounds. In professional events, the caber is 23 feet long and weighs 135 lbs.
The object of the contest is to toss the pole end-over-end so that it lands with the small end pointing directly away from the contestant. The athlete with the straightest toss wins. Distance has no bearing on the outcome of the event. Three tosses are allowed and all are scored to judge the winner.
This project is funded and supported in part
by the City of Austin through the Cultural Arts Division believing an investment in the Arts
is an investment in Austin's future.
Visit Austin at NowPlayingAustin.com.
by the City of Austin through the Cultural Arts Division believing an investment in the Arts
is an investment in Austin's future.
Visit Austin at NowPlayingAustin.com.
"One of the few remaining festivals that celebrate the authentic music, honed by the Celtic people. The Austin Celtic
Festival goes beyond gimmicks to highlight traditions and achievements in a way that reminds audiences of the
extraordinary craftsmanship and study that made places like Ireland & Scotland leaders in folk music and dance. "
Celtic Music
Highland Games
Workshops & Lectures
Celtic Dance
Living History
Celtic Animals