St. Patrick's Day

I'd like to think that I stave off cultural kitschiness, but I admit that sometimes I indulge in the stereotypical little things, even if they've been marketed to death and may not even be a part of the 'authentic' culture any more. You know... eating Belgian waffles in Belgium and pizza in Italy, dancing the merengue in the Dominican, and so on. So, in my own quirky way, I enjoyed the fact that I was going to spend a St. Patty's day in Ireland regardless of what actually does or does not happen. It's ridiculous and akin to the American obsession with collecting stamps in passports, but nonetheless, I added it to my little mental collection.

Many people assume that St. Patty's in Ireland must be something really grand, unlike, say the States. But really, in Ireland, they find it fascinating that in America they turn rivers and beer green. It must also be amusing to watch the Americans line up for blocks outside of the Irish pubs on this particular day, because a pint in the pub MUST be better than your regular bar on such a day. I always suspected that the tricolors, Guiness, and red hair-kitch that populates Stateside St. Patty's was a bit suspect, but after being in Ireland I can say it is just the same! No one escapes plastic Irish paraphanalia, apparently. My favorite display was these tri-color shorts with the expected Irish phrase on it. I went to a parade and saw some Irish dancing and music and then went out to dinner with friends. Most people spend their day engaging in other social activities, shall we say. No one expects anyone to be on time for anything the next day, least of all work.

What I did find intereseting, is that Irish politicians pack their bags and leave Ireland for St. Patty's day every year and take a political field trip to Washington D.C. That would be like President Obama and the Senate and House of Representatives leaving the US on July 4th to go spend it in London, or Paris, or Dublin. The high-level talks are highly publicized and analyzed here in Ireland. I was watching a panel discussion on TV with N. Ireland MP's and the host asked, "Do you think Martin McGuinnes and Peter Robinson will impress the American politicians?" and was shocked that no one really took issue with the phrasing of the question but that it was normal to ask such things. I'm not really sure if I can put my finger on my discomfort with this notion, but I suppose it falls close to the lines of patronization and sensationalism? I suppose I am still uncomfortable with the status, both good and bad, that is ascribed to the States.

So, the day passed happily in music and friends. A tri-colored Mardi Gras. I hope you all enjoyed it as well. If you get the chance someday, you'll probably enjoy a St. Patrick's day in Ireland. The wee "ginger" haired girl on top of her daddy's shoulders seems to be enjoying the view.