Shemaine Bushnell Kyriakides
Today marks the 100th anniversary of St. Patrick's Day, and the Irish Embassy in Cyprus has pulled out all the stops to celebrate in style. Diplomats, ambassadors, and consuls from various countries represented in Cyprus, along with business people and local Irish citizens who have made Cyprus their home, were invited to the lively event held at Chateau Status, a unique venue located in the buffer zone between the two sides of the Cyprus divide.
Upon arrival, guests were welcomed by Ambassador Connor Long and his wife Sheena. During his speech, Ambassador Long expressed his gratitude for everyone's presence and highlighted the longstanding diplomatic ties between Ireland and Cyprus. The new Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus, Dr. Constantinos Kombos, was also in attendance and expressed his appreciation for the deep-rooted friendship between the two countries.
The celebration was a festive affair, with guests enjoying traditional Irish drinks like Guinness and Ginger Leprechauns, a popular cocktail among St. Patrick's Day revelers. Attendees were seen dressed in shades of green, adding to the lively atmosphere.
Despite the cloudy skies, the unpredictable Cypriot weather added to the authenticity of the occasion, with Ambassador Long remarking that it was a typical Irish day.
St. Patrick's Day is a worldwide celebration of Irish culture and heritage, but it holds particular significance in Ireland, where it is a national holiday. The day honors the patron saint of Ireland, who is said to have converted the country to Christianity in the 5th century.
The holiday has a rich history dating back to the early 17th century when it was made an official feast day by the Catholic Church. Originally celebrated quietly by Irish immigrants in the United States and Canada, it has since grown into a worldwide celebration.
St. Patrick's Day has also played an important role in the political history of Ireland, particularly during the country's struggle for independence from Britain. As a result, the holiday has been used as a platform for political activism and protest and continues to be an important cultural and political event in Ireland and around the world.
One of the most famous symbols of St. Patrick's Day is the shamrock, which is said to have been used by St. Patrick to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity to the Irish people. Today, the shamrock is a popular decoration and is often worn as a symbol of Irish pride.
