Without a doubt the best Czech St Patrick’s Day parade ever! And indeed the first for many of the younger participants.

To prepare for the parade, the Wild Geese rallied the troops in Duplex nightclub, a sumptuous space generously provided for the occasion by Conchur De Barra.

Face painting helped all in attendance to feel proud to be Irish, as did the balloons, flags, shamrocks and hand crafted decorations with which we festooned ourselves. We were honoured to be encouraged in our efforts by Eadaoin O’Connor, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Ireland.

St Patrick emerged in our midst decked out in full regalia. Then after a brisk rendering of Amhrán na bhFiann, it was time to parade up Wenceslaus Square – posing for a paparazzi of tourists along the way – to “beneath the horse’s tail” where the actual parade was to begin.

Organised by the Czech-Irish Business and Cultural Association (CIBCA), a procession of some 100 people in 40 shades of green marched down the square and turned right in the direction of Hybernia Theatre. Outside this historic building, the Wild Geese gave a short presentation on the history of the Irish college that initially occupied the premises, giving Náměstí Republiky its original name of “Hibernian Square”.

The parade wound its way to Old Town Square, where it culminated in a rousing musical performance by Conamara Chaos punctuated by breathtaking dance sets by InSpiral Dance Company.

All in all a spectacular way to share Irish culture and heritage with the people of Prague.

Go raibh míle maith agaibh to CIBCA for the fantastic organisation of the parade and the ensuing concert, and to Ambassador Alan Gibbons and the team at the Embassy of Ireland for their support.