A huge crowd turned up for the annual Paddy Parade through the streets of Stockholm. Police estimates the number of people participating at somewhere in the vicinity of 650–700 people. Also, yours truly estimates the number of dogs to approximately fifteen, Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers and Irish Wulf Dogs accounting for a good 98 per cent of the canine participation. The St. Patrick’s Day festivitites in Stockholm have actually been going on for close to a week now with various music and theater performances, gael football, and other cultural happenings.
Girl in her winning costume with little leprechauns in the background. Photo: Ewa Beit
Thursday’s host at the media event at Radisson Blu Royal Viking Hotell’s Sky Bar was Ireland’s Tourism Board. They put on a sustainable green event with marvelous food, lamb chops, cold cuts and artisan cheeses prepared and presented by famed Irish TV chef Donal Skehan. From the bar’s elevated position the view was clear to the five tall buildings in the city’s Haymarket, which all turned green at eight o’clock.
Yours truly with author Joseph O'Connor. Photo: Tibor Bàràny © TIBORFOTO.com
Awards were presented to the Swedish journalists who had best portrayed Ireland in articles and films in 2011. The newly appointed ambassador to Sweden, Mr. Jam And es Joseph Carroll, was also present, as was famous Irish author and recipient of the Irish PEN Award 2012, Joseph O’Connor.His best selling book Ghost Light has been translated into Swedish and will be out in stores next week. The Swedish title is Spökljus.
Last, but not least, come 25 March, getting to Stockholm will become a lot more convenient as Aer Lingus will inaugurate a nonstop flight from Dublin with prices starting as low as 55,99 Euros.
The featured picture of the cocktails with green berries in was taken by Tibor Bàràny, www.tiborfoto.com. For more photos from the event visit: www.tiborfoto.com/StPatricksDay2012/.
NYFIKEN PÅ/CURIOUS ABOUT
Curious About 