Description
The World's Columbian Exposition, held in Jackson Park and the Midway Plaisance on Chicago's South Side in 1893, was the last and greatest of the nineteenth century's Worlds Fairs. In intention it was a celebration of Columbus' voyage 400 years before, the Exposition was in actuality a reflection and celebration of American culture and society, and a blueprint of for life in modern America. Chicago's million plus people at the time made it the second largest American city. It was also a Polish city, not to mention the countless Irish, Russians and other European nationalities that contributed to its bursting vitality. The object of the Fair was to show the best of America to the world, and the best of Chicago to the rest of the USA. Not to be outdone, the Welsh residents of the Windy City decided they too would contribute to this cultural congress by holding that uniquely Welsh festival an Eisteddfod. To it came the Archdruid of Wales and a gaggle of druids in their white robes, the scariest thing seen since Blackhawk and his braves last attached in the 1820's. Choristers came too, not only from Scranton and Salt Lake City but miners from the Rhondda and quarrymen from North Wales, as well as a Welsh Ladies choir. The contribution of these Welsh choristers to the cultural wealth of nations at the 1893 Worlds Fair is the subject of this lecture.| Period | 28 Aug 2008 |
|---|---|
| Event title | The North American Festival of Wales 2008 |
| Event type | Other |
| Location | Chicago, United States, IllinoisShow on map |
| Degree of Recognition | International |