An Tóstal (sometimes, Tostal) was the name for a series of festivals held in Ireland in the 20th Century. Inaugurated in 1953 as a celebration of Irish life, it continued on until 1958 when it died out.
The original purpose of the festival was a celebration of Irish culture, with an emphasis upon drawing tourists into the country during the Easter off-season. It was marked by a series of regional parades, arts and sporting events. Many towns began a clean-up plan, thus starting off the National Tidy Town Awards, which is running still in Ireland. In 1953, a set of commemorative stamps were issued by the Irish Post Office.
Chess Competitions were held as part of An Tóstal by the Irish Chess Union from 1954 to 1957.[1]
In recent times, an effort has been made to revive the Tóstal and some Irish towns, notably Drumshanbo, are now celebrating the Tóstal again.
At the University of Notre Dame and Saint Mary's College (Indiana), the festival dubbed "Antostal" celebrates the last full week of classes of the academic year. The events often include competitions, sporting events, concerts and other various performances.