Dublin celebrates St Patrick’s day

A colourful St Patrick’s Festival parade snaked its way through Dublin city centre today, two months later than tradition dictates.

The original festival and parade, due to take place on the weekend of March 17, was cancelled as the country was barricaded against a potential foot-and-mouth epidemic.

But, after just one confirmed case in the country and the restrictions easing, the capital turned out to celebrate this weekend instead.

The three-day festival of street carnivals and fireworks culminated today with the parade which, the organisers hoped, would draw as many as half-a-million spectators.

This year’s theme was ‘‘fusion’’ - intended to reflect the combining of old and new traditions of parades in Ireland by incorporating marching bands and street theatre.

Over the course of two hours, Harley Davidson riders, hula dancers, Samurai warriors, a giant inflatable sun and many more weird and wonderful characters filed past some of Dublin’s most famous landmarks, including St Patrick’s Cathedral and Trinity College.

Dominic Campbell, festival artistic director, said: ‘‘Whatever your favourite tradition may be, the most important thing is joining in.

‘‘The unique atmosphere of a St Patrick’s festival parade is created by the special blend of performers, communities, sponsors and above all the audience reaction on the day.’’