The Wild Geese were delighted to again link up with the Czech/Irish Business and Cultural Association (CIBCA) to celebrate yet another of the ancient Irish festivals, the autumnal Equinox. Over six thousand years ago our ancestors constructed the mystical mound of Cno’bha (Knowth) to determine the dates of the vernal and autumnal equinoxes. Both the rising and the setting of the sun on those dates were recorded and celebrated, and bonfires broadcasted the event from hilltop to hilltop all over Ireland and onward to our sisters and brothers in Alba, Cymru, Kernow, and Mannin,

Our combined forces (rechristened ‘WildCIBCA’), continued that celebration on the slopes of Parukářka in Prague with music, feasting, song and dance around our own symbolic bonfire. Féach ar na pictiúrí, bhí an craic go h-iontach!

A smaller detachment of Wild Geese celebrated the equinox with the commemoration of the ‘Battle of Bíla hora’ (the White Mountain), the first large military engagement of the Thirty Years War (1618-1648) which dragged in most of Europe and in which many Irish Wild Geese fought and died. The recreation of the battle, complete with cannon, muskets, pikes and cavalry is a stunning annual event attended by thousands.

Every credit to those involved in the organisation of the BBQ and we look forward to continuing our cultural activities in the future.