Which Celtic festival celebrates the beginning of harvest?

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Which Celtic festival celebrates the beginning of harvest? Lughnasadh celebrates the beginning of harvest.

Lughnasadh is one of the four traditional Gaelic seasonal festivals, alongside Samhain, Imbolc, and Beltane. It is traditionally observed on 1 August, roughly halfway between the summer solstice and autumn equinox, and was historically celebrated across Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man.

The festival’s name refers to Lugh, a major Irish mythological figure. One origin story says Lugh established the festival at Tailtiu in memory of his foster-mother Tailtiu, who died after clearing land for agriculture. Gatherings included feasting, trading, matchmaking, athletic contests, horse races, and offerings of the first fruits.

Lughnasadh is sometimes confused with Lammas, the English Christian harvest festival, or with Samhain, which marks the harvest’s end and the approach of winter. Modern celebrations may include hilltop gatherings, traditional fairs, and neopagan observances.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Sept. 2026

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