Every year, the world turns a little Irish for St. Patrick’s Day. People post pictures of them wearing green as they have a good time with friends and family.
It’s an even bigger celebration in Northern Ireland, where it’s a national holiday. The streets turn green annually as thousands celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, making this city the place to enjoy the experience fully.
We had a Nigerian on the ground this year, witnessing all the festivities. Segun (32) tells us how the holiday went. In his words, “I have been hearing about Saint Patrick’s Day right from my time in Nigeria. So, I could not wait to experience this popular holiday now that I live in Belfast, Northern Ireland. I got here last year, so I was too busy settling in to enjoy the holiday, but I wasn’t going to miss it again.”
Segun joined thousands of people on the streets to watch the parade, which attracts more than 500 artists, performers, and dancers each year. The parade attracts visitors from all over, many suitably dressed in Irish jerseys and leprechaun hats. The City Hall in Belfast, in particular, is always filled to the brim with people enjoying the parade and pageantry.
“I decided to go to Belfast City Centre, the central business district of Belfast, Northern Ireland, to watch the parade,” he stated. “The parade is fantastic, and the costumes are amazing. It is beautiful to see such a mix of cultures. I saw some of the bands. The whole place was blocked as excited children and fun-loving visitors thronged the streets for the parade.”
Segun added that the air was alive with music, whistles, horns, and bells as the parade wound through the city. Acrobats and dancing troupes showed off their skills with fascinating blow-up displays.
After an exciting time at the parade, he finished his St Patrick’s Day celebrations at a popular bar with friends. “I ended up at Revolución de Cuba. I dove into the Irish spirit with a few glasses of Guinness, also a popular drink back home in Lagos, Nigeria, with my friends. I had fun,” he shared with a smile.
A great time was had!
