St. Patrick’s Day comes to Rwanda

GREEN OUTFIT? Check! That is all you need to fit in with the Irish community in Rwanda to celebrate one of the biggest days in Irish history. St. Patrick’s Day is a cultural and religious holiday celebrated annually on March 17. It commemorates Saint Patrick (c. AD 387–461), the most commonly recognised of the Patron Saints of Ireland, and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland. It was made an official feast day in the early seventeenth century, and has gradually become a secular celebration of Irish culture in general.So, to celebrate this big day, the Irish community in Rwanda will host a festival on Saturday, March 16, at the Manor Hotel in Nyarutarama. The day, globally known for ‘drinking beer’ and mouthwatering feasts, is a celebration of Irish culture. It is celebrated simultaneously all over the world. In Kigali, the event is being organised in association with Bralirwa, which distributes Guinness, Ireland’s most famous brand.The all-green fete will start at 4pm, with Irish cultural games, music and Rugby showing live on TV. From 7pm, the Irish will invite guests to learn traditional Irish folk dances and songs and also enjoy Irish music throughout the evening. Donations are welcome for a raffle; proceeds go to two worthy local charities. St. Patrick’s Day has become famous world-wide because of the large Diaspora resulting from 150 years of emigration from the Emerald Isle. From New York’s largest parade, to parties in different parts of the world and a gala ball in Kampala, fun-lovers will wear green and celebrate the Irish spirit of music, celebration and simply enjoy themselves this weekend.Ireland, a small island in north-western Europe, approximately twice the size of Rwanda, is associated with Irish potatoes, Guinness, Bailey’s and Jameson Irish Whiskey. There are about thirty Irish people in Rwanda, working in different areas, all enjoying Rwanda’s culture and beauty. The theme for this year’s festival is ‘How? What? Why?’ drawing inspiration from Dublin’s status as The City of Science. To join the Irish in their celebration, throw on some green and simply blend in! The event is free and open to the public.

Leisure

St. Patrick’s Day comes to Rwanda