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A Mod is a festival of Gaelic song, arts and culture, generally held in Scotland. The name comes from the gaelic mòd for assembly. (The English representation of Gaelic words does not generally use accents, so in a purely English sentence it is Mod, not Mòd)
Most years since 1892 there has been an annual event, the Royal National Mod (Am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail). This is often just called The Mod, and mystifies newcomomers and visitors to Scotland, as the local papers are full of unexplained talk of it for months.
A mod (a Gaelic language festival in Scotland) has been compared to an Eisteddfod (a Welsh language festival in Wales) and The Mod to the National Eisteddfod of Wales.
To outsiders, the Mod largely takes the form of competitions. Choral events (in Gaelic, both solo and choirs), and traditional music including fiddle, bagpipe and folk groups dominate. Spoken word events include children and adult's poetry reading, storytelling and Bible reading, and categories such as Ancient Folk Tale or Humorous Monologue. Children can also present an original drama, and there are competitions in written literature.
To participants, the Mod is also an opportunity to meet with old friends and make new ones. Where possible, late opening of bars is arranged; the Mod is popularly known (at least by the press) as the Whisky Olympics. (There appears to have been a Whisky Olympics in Helsinki in 1997, which was a competition for whisky makers.)
Am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail is held each October. Locations include Oban (2003) – the 100th Royal National Mod, Aberfeldy (2004), Isle Of Lewis (2005), Dunoon (2006).
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