The National Eisteddfod Welsh Phrases
Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Cymru
The National Eisteddfod is called "Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Cymru" in Welsh and is celebrated on First week of August (varies). The greeting is "Eisteddfod" (A sitting / competitive festival).
The National Eisteddfod is Wales's largest cultural festival and the biggest competitive arts festival in Europe. Held entirely in Welsh, it celebrates poetry, music, drama, and art. Here are the Welsh phrases you need for the Eisteddfod.
Essential phrases
Eisteddfod
A sitting / competitive festival
From 'eistedd' (to sit) — the festival's name
Y Maes
The field / festival ground
Where it all happens — 'ar y Maes' (on the field)
Cadeirio'r Bardd
Chairing of the Bard
The most prestigious poetry prize in Wales
Coroni'r Bardd
Crowning of the Bard
The other major poetry prize
Gorsedd y Beirdd
Gorsedd of the Bards
The ceremonial body that presides over the Eisteddfod
Y Fedal Ryddiaith
The Prose Medal
The main prose prize
Côr
Choir
Choir competitions are central to the Eisteddfod
Cerdd dant
String music / vocal art form
A uniquely Welsh art form — singing against the harp
Y Pafiliwn
The Pavilion
The huge pink pavilion where the main ceremonies happen
A oes heddwch?
Is there peace?
The Archdruid's famous question — the crowd answers 'Heddwch!' (Peace!)
Heddwch!
Peace!
The crowd's response — ensuring no sword is drawn against the bard
Stondinau
Stalls / stands
The hundreds of stalls around the Maes
The history of Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Cymru
The Eisteddfod tradition dates back to at least 1176, when Lord Rhys ap Gruffydd held a festival of poetry and music at Cardigan Castle. The modern National Eisteddfod has been held annually since 1861, alternating between North and South Wales. The Gorsedd of Bards, the chairing of the bard, and the crowning ceremony are its most dramatic traditions. Everything at the Maes (festival field) is conducted through Welsh.
Further reading
Go beyond the phrases
blas. teaches Welsh with spaced repetition — vocabulary, mutations, grammar, reading, and conversation. Not just for The National Eisteddfod, but for life. Free to start.
Start learning Welsh