The Gaelic word cèilidh (pronounced kay-lee) is often associated with kilts, highland dancing and a full band of Scottish musicians.
But, it's a word which simply means visiting and socialising with friends, and here in the Outer Hebrides it's an age-old tradition born from the blackhouse days gone by, through the old village hall dances, and into the Harris homes of the 21st century.
An invite to 'come round for a wee cèilidh', requires no fuss or formality. Just bring yourself (and something to drink!)
So, The Harris Cèilidh is all about taking the life-affirming warmth and welcome of our island and its people to the wider world, sharing our spirit through gatherings filled with friendship and conviviality, music, stories, and more...
It's about celebrating the joys of community and connection to each other, no matter where we call home.
Last year, we brought the Harris Cèilidh to the world through a series of virtual events online. But, with the return to a post-Covid world we're now ready to get together with our far-flung friends in person.
To help share the spirit of the Harris Cèilidh with the world in 2022 we've created a special book to bring the best of cèilidh culture to you.
Available as an interactive digital download each copy is crammed full of ideas and inspiration for holding your own cèilidh get-togethers.
Remember, the true cèilidh requires just a few simple ingredients...good company, good music, and good food and drink.
The Harris Cèilidh Book provides you with a 7-step guide to help get these things underway, alongside a new collection of cèilidh cocktails, and some delicious local seafood recipes.
There's also ten Scottish Gaelic phrases to try, Spotify streams from our favourite island musicians, and even a tall tale to tell...
Download your free copy of The Harris Cèilidh Book and get the party started by clicking HERE.
Over the coming months we'll be sharing the contents of the book across our social channels and organising cèilidhs big and small here in Harris and further afield.
We'd love you to get into the cèilidh spirit by hosting your own informal gatherings too. Remember no fuss or formality is needed to have a great night with great friends.
Let us know how you get on, and if you have any photos or stories from ceilidhs past, present, or future do drop us a line and share them via ceilidh@harrisdistillery.com
"Thigibh a chèilidh!"