The Highland Games are believed to date back to the 11th century, originating in the rugged terrain of Scotland.
Thought to have begun as a way to identify the country’s mightiest warrior, the games featured strength-based contests across a wide range of disciplines, explained Victoria Highland Games chieftain Stephen Kelly.
“Highland games were traditionally held every year, starting at about this time of the year when the weather was getting better in the Highlands,” he said. “People and warriors would gather and test their athletic prowess.”
As centuries passed and Scots spread throughout the world, they brought with them the cultural traditions that continue to define their heritage today.
In Victoria, the first Highland Games were held more than 160 years ago—just two decades after the city was founded, said Jim Maxwell, president of the Victoria Highland Games Association.
“Back in the 1850s when Fort Victoria was established, a lot of Scottish people came here and worked at Hudson’s Bay,” he said. “The premier of the province and the United States Postmaster General were there so it was a big deal.”
Deemed a success with more than 2,000 attendees at its inaugural event, this launched a long, unbroken tradition that lives on to this day.
“There have been games through both World Wars, and we had games during the pandemic, so [that’s perhaps] the longest continually running Highland Games in the world,” added Maxwell.
Today, the “world-renowned” Victoria Highland Games and Celtic Festival offers a wide array of activities, including the iconic caber toss and stone-throwing competitions, pipe band performances, and Highland dancers skilfully twirling on stage.
Although the two-day event got off to a rough start with morning rain on Saturday (May 17), hundreds flocked to Victoria's Topaz Park the following day to enjoy the celebration.
As people strolled the grounds in their best Sunday kilts, browsed artisan booths, and filled the stands for various competitions, Maxwell said the festival was on track to reach its goal of 20,000 attendees.
“People like quality music, dance, athletics, history and culture,” said Maxwell. “Because Victoria Highland Games provides that, people want to come and see it. There's very few events like ours, and we continue to improve it, and it's a great community.”
For more information about the Victoria Highland Games and Celtic Festival, visit victoriahighlandgames.co
