The established six Celtic Nations are Ireland, Cornwall, Isle of Mann, Brittany, Scotland and Wales. However for centuries Celts spread beyond Northern Europe, with many countries today claiming some Celtic influence. Yet only one place truly considers themselves 'one' with their Celtic heritage: Galicia, Spain. It's an area heavily influenced by Celtic culture, particularly the ancient region of Gallaecia (the modern region of Galicia and Braga, Viana do Castelo, Douro, Porto, and Bragança in Portugal) and the Asturian region (Asturias, León, Zamora in Spain).

While many in this region of Spain consider themselves Celts, there are plenty around the world that contest this. No Celtic language survived here (after the extinction of Iberian Celtic languages in Roman times), which is considered the litmus test. The area also holds a vary small minority of Celts when compared to even the smallest of the six nations. But it's hard to focus on these, knowing how music, dance, art, history and folklore from Galicia often compares to other Celtic nations, Brittany especially (as like Galicia it remains a part of a another country and not located with the northern islands).

What's our opinion? Here at Niagara Celtic, we remain invested in sharing and appreciating every aspect of Celtic Culture. This includes Celts from around the world who have shaped their own identities and culture from past influences, no matter their location. We're Celtic-American-New Yorkers, and as such can identify with those in Galicia who feel as strongly about their own heritage. This is why we honor them as the 7th nation. And while you may not agree, you can still learn more about Galicia, so read on below!

Galacia (Galiza) is in northwest Spain, and descends from one of the first tribes of Celtic heritage in Europe. Beyond the sun and surf of the Spanish coast lie the same mysterious menhirs that dot the Irish countryside, and the region has its own collection of Celtic traditions that continue today - from ancient "pallozas" (stone huts believed to be Celtic) to pagan festivals and rituals. Its people are considered 'Iberians Celts,' as they live within the Iberian Peninsula.

More than a millennium ago, a Celtic tribe known as the Gallaeci settled in an area north of the Douro River. Other Celtic tribes recorded in these regions by the Romans were the Bracari, the Astures, the Cantabri, the Celtici, and the Celtiberi. The Old Kingdom of Gallaecie was created by the German's arrival in 409 CE. In two years they removed the Roman Empire and unified the different Celtic tribes, creating the first (and oldest) kingdom of Europe, under Hermerico, marking the beginning of the fall of the Roman Empire.

Celts were pastoral by nature and as a result, there is little construction left that reveals their presence here (and even less art). What does remain is found in the extreme northwest of the peninsula. Of course there is other evidence of Celts in Spain, starting with the Galician language- which contains a significant amount of words of Celtic origin and is spoken by more than three million people. Lugo, the name of a capital city, is derived from the Celtic warrior King Lugh. There are also ancient altars built for worshipping the goddess of wells and springs, Coventina. Modern-day Galicians, Asturians, Cantabrians and Northern Portuguese often claim a Celtic heritage or identity, and for good reason: it's a heritage to truly be proud of.

Every year communities around the region celebrate the arrival of the summer solstice with bonfires, parades and the collection of herbs. Visit the enormous art installation by Manolo Paz called "Menhirs for Peace." The tall rocks were inspired by the region's Celtic history and take advantage of the beautiful views of the Coruna seashore. Modern day pilgrims traveling to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia can get a good feel for a Celtic village when stopping at the hamlet of O Cebreiro.

It may come as a surprise to visitors that many Galicians are fair-skinned and that the green, mist-laden, hilly countryside is reminiscent of Ireland or Scotland.  And they may be forgiven if they think they have landed in the Scottish Highlands if they hear the swirl of bagpipes -the Gaitas, Galicia's native instrument- or witness the jig that often accompanies them. They may also be lucky enough to be present at dusk when a genuine queimada (a traditional fiery brew) is being prepared to ward off the winter chills. Accompanied by the musical wails of Gaitas, a bruxo or sorcerer dressed in skins and wearing a horned helmet will call on the powers of heaven and earth and the spirits of the sea and fire as he stirs and ladles the flaming, potent drink. The witches of MacBeth would be at home here!

Pedro Menéndez was born in Avilés in Asturias on the 15th of February 1519. He was one of nineteen brothers and sisters, and at the age of fourteen he ran away work at sea, his lifelong passion. Menéndez would marry Maria de Solis when very young, and they had three surviving daughters.

In 1549 Menéndez was commissioned by Emperor Charles V to clear the north coast of Spain and the Canaries of French pirates. In 1554 he became Captain-General of the "Flota," a convoy which carried trade between Spain and America. As commander of the Flota he displayed a diligence, and achieved a degree of success in bringing back treasure, which earned him the hearty approval of the Emperor.

During this time, France and Spain were in a constant turf battle over the American peninsula now known as Florida. In 1565, the Spanish decided to destroy the French outpost of Fort Caroline (located in what is now Jacksonvillea), and knew exactly whom to send. Pedro Menéndez de Avilés sighted land on August 28, 1565. As this was the feast day of Augustine of Hippo, he named the territory San Agustín. He took Fort Caroline on September 20th, 1565, and in October defeated Frenchman who had arrived on the coast of Florida to relieve their colony. Pedro Menéndez remained in Florida through 1567, then returned to Spain. He made one more voyage to Florida, and later died on September 17th, 1574.

Tom Keefer is interested in putting together a Tartan Day in Niagara County. If anyone is interested in participating in such an event, please contact him:
Tom Keefer | tkeefer@yorkville.com | (716)983-1594

5 School St.

Batavia, NY 14020

585-343-3270