With only a few days left in this abbreviated
month, March will be here before we know it. It is a month full of calendar
highlights – the beginning of daylight saving time, the first day of spring, and of
course, St. Patrick’s Day. Though this holiday is strongly associated with the
Irish culture, cities and countries around the world partake in jovial
celebrations and share in the cheerful spirit of the day.
The parades in Dublin and New York are two of
the most famous, and draw thousands of spectators decked out in knit sweaters,
tartan hats, and a few “Kiss Me I’m Irish” pins. However, each celebrating
city puts a spin on the festivities to make it unique and its own. In
Chicago, its namesake river is turned green using vegetable dyes. Hope that
visitors and tourists don’t think the river is always that color!
Not too far from Dublin, Copenhagen’s
celebration has a more athletic tone to it. Hundreds of participants engage in
what can only be described as a three-legged pub crawl. Along the route,
tethered competitors stop at local Irish pubs, drink at least a half a pint of
beer, and continue on their trek. Proceeds of the event are split among three
charities – one Danish, one Irish, and one international.
Halfway around the world in Tokyo, Japan, marchers
parade down one of its most fashionable avenues that has been flanked on either
side for the occasion with Irish and Japanese flags. The Irish Ambassador to
Japan leads the kilt-wearing, bag-pipe playing participants, who splurge on $7
pints of Guinness!
For this upcoming St. Patrick’s Day, iconic
landmarks around the world are going to “go green”. India's
Taj Mahal, Disneyland Paris, the
London Eye, the welcome sign in Las Vegas, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the
Empire State Building will all be aglow in emerald green to mark the holiday.
Though you may have
to wait until next year for Dublin, see if your local town or city is planning
any activities or events. And who says you can’t bring a piece of the
Emerald Isle to your backyard and celebrate with friend and neighbors. La
Fhéile Pádraig Sona Daoibh!
For more information about Stamford Tent & Event Services and our St. Patrick Day “Irish mist rain plans”, visit our
website at www.stamfordtent.com or e-mail us at sales@stamfordtent.com.
By Meredith Vachon
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