Cape Breton Fiddling, Sydney (must see)
The Big Fiddle, or Big Fiddle of the Ceilidh in Gaelic, was unveiled in 2005 as a monumental salute to Cape Breton鈥檚 Celtic music heritage. Created from solid steel by local sculptor Cyril Hearn, it rises about 60 feet high, weighs between 8 and 10 tons, and has become a defining sight for visitors arriving at Sydney鈥檚 cruise terminal.
Cape Breton fiddling traces its roots to the Scottish Gaelic tradition brought over by Highland settlers. Characterized by its driving rhythm, intricate ornamentation, and deeply expressive style, it is celebrated today as one of the most distinctive and enduring forms of folk music in the region. The Big Fiddle stands as a powerful symbol of this cultural lineage.
Beyond being a landmark sculpture, the site serves as a lively meeting place for music and community. Local performances, pop-up festivals, and waterfront vendors bring energy to the area, making the fiddle both a cultural emblem and a stage for the traditions it represents.
Cape Breton fiddling traces its roots to the Scottish Gaelic tradition brought over by Highland settlers. Characterized by its driving rhythm, intricate ornamentation, and deeply expressive style, it is celebrated today as one of the most distinctive and enduring forms of folk music in the region. The Big Fiddle stands as a powerful symbol of this cultural lineage.
Beyond being a landmark sculpture, the site serves as a lively meeting place for music and community. Local performances, pop-up festivals, and waterfront vendors bring energy to the area, making the fiddle both a cultural emblem and a stage for the traditions it represents.
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Cape Breton Fiddling on Map
Sight Name: Cape Breton Fiddling
Sight Location: Sydney, Canada (See walking tours in Sydney)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Sydney, Canada (See walking tours in Sydney)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Sydney, Nova Scotia
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Sydney, Nova Scotia, was founded in 1785 by British authorities as a haven for Loyalists... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles