Eisteddfod is a popular festival of music and the arts that takes place in Wales. The most widely known eisteddfods, or eisteddfodau, are the International Musical Eisteddfod, held each July at Llangollen, and the Royal National Eisteddfod, held each August. The Royal National has been held alternately in North and South Wales since the 1800's, when it started. The International Music Eisteddfod, which began in 1947, is an international event, and welcomes singers and dancers from many countries.