Imbolc Festival

What is Imbolc?

Imbolc (im-bulk) is an ancient Celtic festival celebrated on February 1st, marking the midpoint between the winter solstice and spring equinox. It is also the feast day of Saint Brigid, Ireland’s patroness saint.

One of the four major Gaelic seasonal festivals — alongside Bealtaine, Lughnasadh and Samhain — Imbolc means “in the belly” in Old Irish, referring to the pregnancy of ewes and the approaching lambing season. With the promise of spring ahead, it is considered a period of growth, cleansing and setting fresh intentions for the new year.

In recent years, St. Brigid’s Day is a time to celebrate noted women of the Irish Diaspora, as well as highlight the works of women in the arts — both in and outside of Ireland.

Each February, we honour women’s achievements by hosting conversations with leaders, artists and innovators who are shaping today’s cultural landscape.

To read more about St. Brigid’s Day traditions, click here.

Photo: People making Brigid’s crosses at St. Brigid’s Well, believed to bring blessings and protection.

Imbolc St. Brigid's Day Celebration

Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 5:30PM
Chelsea Hotel, Toronto | 33 Gerard St. W, Toronto
Round Table begins at 6:15PM 

In honor of St. Brigid’s Day and Imbolc, the Ireland Canada Chamber of Commerce Toronto (ICCCTO), in partnership with the Canada Ireland Foundation, is hosting a panel discussion highlighting the accomplishments of women who are driving meaningful change across the Ireland-Canada community. Guests will also have the opportunity to network with professionals and leaders across sectors. This inspiring event is open to both members of the ICCCTO and non-members.

Canada Ireland Talk - Imbolc 2026

Virtual Event
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
5 pm Toronto Time / 10 pm Dublin Time

Save the date for #WakingTheFeminists in Conversation, an in‑depth virtual event featuring the authors of WTF Happened – “#WakingTheFeminists and the Movement That Changed Irish Theatre”, Sarah Durcan and Lian Bell, joined by the Artistic Director of Nightwood Theatre in Toronto. Together, they will reflect on the feminist theatre movements that reshaped Ireland and Canada, how those waves of activism unfolded, and what has emerged in their wake.

The discussion will be moderated by theatre critic and scholar Karen Fricker.