Cape Breton Highlands, Nova Scotia, Canada

© Cavan Images/Alam

Celebrate the Celts. Celtic Colours International Festival, Canada

The Celtic Colours International Festival begins today in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada. This festival celebrates the area's inhabitants, including 19th-century settlers who came from Scotland and Ireland. Because of Cape Breton Island's isolation and the lack of outside influences, the culture and traditions of these settlers remained particularly strong. Held when the island's fall colors are most vibrant, the festival has blossomed into a nine-day extravaganza that coincides with the warm red, orange, and yellow autumn foliage.

The 2024 edition continues the tradition of showcasing the best in Celtic music, dance, and art, featuring internationally acclaimed performers, local legends, and newcomers. The festival also offers workshops, Celtic knot quilting, art exhibitions, and a variety of gastronomic delights. Festivalgoers can also enjoy Cape Breton's scenic beauty, including its coastal vistas and the breathtaking fall sunrise in the highlands, as seen in today's image.