DUBLIN: Even though this year’s St. Patrick’s Day is during lockdown restrictions, various groups and organisations across Ireland have managed to make the celebrations more colorful without shedding any joy or happiness.
As the country is under COVID-19 restrictions, online activities will take precedence this year. The final preparations for “virtual” celebrations were completed in many areas yesterday itself, and today Ireland is all set to welcome St. Patrick’s Day 2021 with love and excitement.
Today, the entire country will turn green, especially the landmarks in Ireland. The Thomas Francis Meagher Bridge outside Waterford City, as well as other popular spots like the Bishop’s Palace and Reginald’s Tower, are among the many public areas that have turned green this week.
Virtual parades will be a common theme on this big day. Today there will be parades and celebrations in many parts of Ireland, and all of this will spread on social media and the internet. People in County Waterford are encouraged to hold a parade in their home or garden and record short videos to upload to a dedicated Facebook group page. More details are available on Waterford Council’s website and the Waterford St Patrick’s Day Facebook page.
Meanwhile, in Kilkenny, music, art, storytelling, animation, singing and environmental activities are being held as online events from 11.30am to 9pm today. The events will be hosted online by Evanne Ní Chuilinn, proud Kilkenny citizen and RTÉ Sports presenter.
Some Irish sayings, such as “A trail of seanfhocail,” can be found on the streets of Kilkenny and in the Market Yard.
Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr Andrew McGuinness, said the response to the call for community organisations, schools, and family groups was phenomenal both at home and abroad. “We have had over a hundred videos submitted to us, showing how we’ve become a city and county of film makers during lockdown and they contain a great display of the fun, creativity and spirit of Kilkenny,” he said.
A special concert performed by the traditional group Kila in collaboration with the multi-Oscar nominated Cartoon Saloon will be a major attraction today.
“We showcase Kilkenny to the country and the wider world as we prepare for brighter times ahead, when our society and economy will reopen to welcome back visitors and investors in what is a hugely exciting time in our development with the emergence of the exciting new Abbey Quarter in Kilkenny City, mirrored by the equally exciting developments at Belview Port and the North Quays project in the south of the county,” Kilkenny County Council Chief Executive Colette Byrne said.
The National Opera House in Wexford will also host a special concert tonight, capping a day of activities in the county. This will also include the ‘St Patrick’s Day ShoutOut,’ sketches with Don Conroy, and The Story of St Patrick, which will be told from Wexford’s historic St Patrick’s Church.
The Green Light Session on the National Opera House’s main stage will be another highlight of the evening. The event will feature leading Wexford artists including Peter Murphy, Rachel Grace, Corner Boy, Mark Redmond, The Frisky Gypsys, Roger McGuire, and Máca.
These artists, production team, and musicians have self-volunteered for this community initiative. The concert will be streamed live on Facebook at 8pm today on the Wexford Virtual St. Patrick’s Day 2021 Page, as well as on YouTube on the Virtual St. Patrick’s Day 2021 Channel.
On Ireland’s National Day, they call on the Irish people around the world to forget the dark days of restrictions and embrace the bright days ahead. Dúisigh Éire! Awaken Ireland! is the theme of this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Festival. Many online cultural programs are organized with the participation of hundreds of artists. Musicians, performers, makers, creators, arts and live events workers and community organisations across Ireland are gathering to celebrate.
Also, today RTE is hosting a virtual St. Patrick’s Day parade. It aims to bring people around the world together online.
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