taking our culture forward

 

Perhaps the key event in the traditional Manx song year was the Oie'll Verree on Christmas Eve.

This would be when everyone would get to perform and hear carvals, the traditional Manx songs for Christmastime.

But what exactly are carvals? Where did they come from and how were they sung? What was the Oie'll Verree and how do we know of it?

 

A Manx version of this film, and an extended (English-language) conversation about the Manx carval tradition is also available:

  • The Manx Carval Tradition: A conversation with Dr Marie Clague

  • Carvalyn Gaelgagh: Coloayrtys marish Dr Marie Clague