AT THIS time of year, the world normally turns an emerald hue to celebrate Ireland’s national day, but due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Tourism Ireland is asking the Irish diaspora, wherever they may be, to take part in a more intimate, but nonetheless poignant initiative.
The Global Greening programme usually sees hundreds of iconic landmarks and sites lighting up in green, to mark St Patrick’s Day. This year, Tourism Ireland aims to bring some positivity and hope to the 70+ million people around the world who claim links to the island of Ireland, by asking them to light a green candle in a show of solidarity.
“There is a tradition in Ireland of lighting a candle in a window, as a way of guiding strangers in the night,” a spokesperson said. “At a time when Irish people overseas cannot travel home, we invite you to shine a light during this time, by placing a green candle in a window as beacon of solidarity and hope. The intention is to give our diaspora a sense of connection with home and remind them that we cannot wait to welcome them back as soon as it is possible to do so.
“Our Green Candle initiative will commence at 7pm GMT, on March 17. Please join the conversation by taking a photo or video and uploading it to your social media platforms, using the hashtag #GlobalGreening.”
gerard@theirishvoice.com
