Archive for the ‘Catholic Church’ Category

How The Irish Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

15 March 2007

For those who received the 40 Dublin Reports during our four years living in Dublin, much of this post is from my wife Jules’s 11th report.

“Everyone seems to want to know “How do the Irish celebrate St. Pat’s?” We didn’t really know because last March 17 we were in Prague. St. Pat’s is a very inexpensive time to leave Ireland, what with all the empty planes flying out after dropping off half of Europe in Dublin. This year we stayed and we are glad we did. The mood was great, largely due to a history-making string of gorgeous weather. It’s been sunny and warm for weeks on end.

“In Dublin there is a pretty big parade (not quite like an American one, but creative and fun nonetheless), accompanied by a four day festival (carnival rides, music, drama). The Irish are a bit amazed and slightly worried… (more…)

Posted in American, Australian, Catholic Church, Des Pieri, Desmond Pieri, Dublin, Europe, Holiday, Ireland, Irish, La Fheile Padraigh!, Prague, Spring, St. Patrick, St. Patrick's Day, Weather, Zalle | Leave a Comment »

Happy February 1st, the First Day of Spring

1 February 2007

Living in Boston after four years in Dublin, I really appreciate hot summer days. For reasons explained below, there never are hot summer days in Dublin. But as much as I appreciate New England summers, I miss springtime in Dublin, where spring arrives a full two months sooner than here.

Despite what the rest of the northern hemisphere thinks, in Ireland February first – not March 21st – is the official first day of spring. So today, while New Englanders continue to deal with winter, Dubliners are watching the daffodils popping up!

Why February First?

As every first grader is taught in Ireland… (more…)

Posted in AerLingus, April in Paris, Boston, Catholic Church, Des Pieri, Desmond Pieri, Dublin, Gulf Stream, Ireland, Pagan, Spring, St. Brigid, Weather | 5 Comments »