Welcome to the 28th Annual Irish Moss Festival!
Join us from June 26th to June 29th when the residents of Tignish and surrounding areas celebrate a weekend of summer fun. From beach parties to quilt shows, a strong woman competition to horse pulls, Miss Irish Moss Pageant to lobster suppers, and everything in between, there is sure to be something for everyone. This year's theme is Pirates and Princesses. Be sure to keep an eye out for these characters around the community all weekend.
The Irish Moss Festival activities are primarily hosted on the grounds of the Tignish Credit Union Arena at 207 Phillip Street in Tignish, PEI. Some events will take place around the community, allowing visitors to experience our beautiful part of the province.
The Irish Moss Festival was aptly named to recognize the important industry that occurs mostly in the western region of PEI. Irish Moss (chondrus crispus) is harvested for it's natural gel-forming properties (carrageenan), which is used in products ranging from toothpaste to cheese. Approximately 60 harvester sold 12.9 million pounds of the seaweed worth $1.4 million during the 2005-5006 season (according to the latest statistics that are available). Almost half of the worlds Irish Moss comes from PEI.
If you are interested in seeing a mosser at work, head to the very western tip of the Island and look over the cliffs at North Cape. If the weather is right, you may just catch a glimpse of a horse and his rider, hard at work.