G12
15 - 21 MARCH 2013
ST PATRICK’S DAY
ST PATRICK’S DAY: NOT JUST FOR THE WINNERS WHAT IS ST PATRICK’S DAY? ST PATRICK’S DAY is a holiday commemorating the death of Ireland’s patron saint on March 17 in the year 461. It is thought that Patrick was born in Roman Britain and kidnapped by Irish raiders when he was 16. After living as a slave in Ireland, he managed to flee and return to Britain. He became a priest and later returned to Ireland as a bishop to spread the Christian faith. Folklore claims he banished snakes from the island, though this is not thought to be true.
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’VE NEVER had much chance to take part in a parade myself – and I suspect there’s good reason for that. You see, parades are usually meant to celebrate something noteworthy. I’ve never played in a marching band, never won an award, and my lack of hand-eye co-ordination would almost guarantee that I’d fall off a parade float to an untimely death below. “Trampled by papier-mâché dragon”: I can already see the headlines. In fact, the only time I’ve ever been invited to march along in a procession was on a remarkably low-stakes occasion. I was eight years old, and it was for my elementary school’s annual Halloween parade.
That’s where St Patrick’s Day in Copenhagen comes in. The city’s annual parade gives me a chance to relive my glory days – but this time, I’ll be wearing an oversized green hat instead of a Cleopatra costume. And after a particularly long, dark winter, the holiday isn’t just an excuse to imbibe, either – it’s reason enough to become part of the show yourself. For those who aren’t so inclined to self-glorification (or humiliation, as the case may be), check out the next few pages for other ways to celebrate and find that last push through the chilly season. I’m sure you’ll find something to entertain the whole family.
CREDIT BOX Editor: Jessica Hanley Sales consultants: Mark Millen, Jørn Olling Writers: Marie O’Connor, Ruth Styles Graphic Design & layout: Aviaja Bebe Nielsen
Though the earliest recorded celebrations of St Patrick occurred as early as the 9th and 10th centuries, it wasn’t until 1903 that the day became an official public holiday in Ireland. Originally a religious celebration, the holiday has become increasingly secular over time and is now seen as a more general celebration of Irish culture. In fact, the Irish government of the mid-1990s developed a plan to use the day to promote the Irish brand globally. While this may be the case, the day still remains the most important day in the Irish cultural calendar.
JESSICA HANLEY
GOING GREEN
For Gregg Clayton, an American based in Sweden, the laidback, multicultural flavour of the day was particularly enjoyable. Clayton travelled to Copenhagen specifically to celebrate St Patrick’s Day and partake in the parade, and especially appreciated the relaxed nature of everyone involved.
Last year was my first time to attend a parade outside of the US. I have a costume that I made about seven years ago of a leprechaun named ‘Lucky’, copied from the children’s cereal Lucky Charms. I was very impressed by how accepted I was by the Dan-
ish and how friendly everyone was to me. The most fun was out in the crowd before the parade, having my picture taken with many different people. The Danes love to party and have fun. People of all age groups, families and children were there, too. I was teased by a
VISIT OUR TENT AND WARM UP WITH A CUP OF IRISH COFFEE THE PERFECT CUP OF IRISH COFFEE Irish Coffee traces its history back to 1942, when Joe Sheridan served coffee mixed with whiskey to passengers travelling through Dublin’s Shannon Airport. Credit for the original recipe goes to Jack Koeppler, who began serving Sheridan’s drink at the San Francisco café where he worked. After tinkering with the recipe, Koeppler came up with the idea of adding cream. His chosen whiskey was Tullamore D.E.W., thanks to its smoothness and character. The rest, as they say, is history. As far as Koeppler’s café goes, it now serves over 2,000 glasses a day of the drink he made famous.
little boy the whole day there. He would sneak up behind me and hit me and run off – I only caught a glimpse of him once! The parade was put together and organised very well and is a good chance to travel across the bridge, let your hair down and go green!
MAIN SPONSOR OF THE COPENHAGEN ST PATRICK’S DAY PARADE