Celtic Connection

Coloradans looking to capture their Celtic connection this holiday season are welcomed to this afternoon’s Colorado Welsh Society Christmas Tea, featuring Welsh songs, hymns, seasonal readings, music and traditional dances followed by te bach (refreshments). And don’t worry if your Welsh is a bit rusty; many of the events will be in English.

“I think that there is a significant Welsh presence in Colorado,” says past CWS president Dr. Elis Owens. “Unfortunately, the Welsh seem to have assimilated into society without retaining their cultural identity, unlike the Scotch and Irish. The Colorado Welsh Society exists to help people reconnect to their Welsh roots and promote a knowledge and appreciation of Welsh history and culture in Colorado.”

The connections between Colorado and the Welsh can be found in our state’s history; many Welsh immigrants came to Colorado to work in the mines and build railroads. And early settlers are said to have named Denver’s Swansea neighborhood after the mining seaport town in Wales.

The Christmas Tea, now in its 24th year, is free and open to the public, but donations are accepted to support the CWS and its activities throughout the year. So raise your teacups and say Iechyd da! The tea takes place at 2:30 p.m. at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 1270 Poplar Street; for more information, visit www.coloradowelshsociety.org.
Sun., Dec. 14, 2:30 p.m., 2008