Guinness is good for you
In celebration of St. Patrick in Chicago, they dye the river green:
And their hair. And their beer. Then they all dress up in green and have a parade which seems much more political than a parade has any right to be. All the pubs are packed to the brim, and some have very small men dressed as leprechauns dancing around on the bar. However exciting this may be, it seems to me to be a little excessive. Recent census data shows that only 6.6% of Chicago residents actually claim to be Irish.
What is it exactly about Irishness that appeals to Americans? I'd like to know what the real Irish (that is, those in Ireland) do on St. Paddy's Day. Do they dye their rivers/hair/beer green?
In Cambridge, we were happy enough with a few pints of Guinness from the lovely Guinness girls and the chance to win a free fleece jacket.
posted by Claire @ 8:28 am
3 comments
3 Comments:
Yes, it's a bit weird. I know that Scotland is trying to muscle in on the act as well, by trying to promote St Andrews day in NYC. However, I can't help feeling that the Irish have suffered from the American's enthusiasm. They must have gained a lot in tourism etc, but they are seen as bizarre dipso-dwarves, to be sure, to be sure.
Sorry for the misplacement of the apostrophe in the previous post. Schoolboy error, there.
No Guinness girls or free fleeces in the Maypole, this year.
They did have Guinness hats for sale, though.
Post a Comment
<< Home