St Patrick's Day - Good Craic

St Patrick's Day commemorates the saint who brought Christianity ro Ireland in the 5th century. Parades are held around the world, also in Germany, the UK, the USA and Australia. Some cities colour their rivers or buildings in green to celebrate. I was lucky to celebrate in the heart of it all ... Dublin!

A military parade made the opening, as 2016 was also the year of commemoration of the 1916 Easter Rebellion that marked an important step towards Irish independence. Flags (also of allied countries) were shown, and brass bands accompanied the marching soldiers.

Various artists took part in the parade, such as this couple in an artifical tree playing the guitar and singing. Children in costumes and dancing were also a common sight, alongside with amateur bands.

As nature plays a huge part in Ireland, moving tree marionettes were a surprise that could be explained away easily. The construction of these things must have been difficult though ...

After a St Patrick impostor, this pink elephant with tiger stripes passed ... don't ask me why, I have no idea ... can anyone explain this?

Lastly, a political message against corporate power and environmental pollution was sent in a brillianlty creaive way: The snake of international capitalism in a boxing ring of sky scrapers fightin St Patrick. the most creative thing I saw in this parade! After that, the people turned to drinking, dancing and singing ... international students included.

Photo gallery