March madness

Despite what’s going on at home and abroad, despite the madness and the mayhem, St Patrick is standing tall and giving us a reason to celebrate.

We could learn a lot from this fifth-century missionary.

Captured by a group of Irish raiders, Patrick was brought forcibly to Ireland when he was 16. He spent six years as a social outcast tending sheep. It was during this time that he became a more devout Christian, turning to his faith when he had little else to turn to. He eventually escaped and made his way home. Sometime later, he answered God’s call to return to Ireland as a missionary.

This is where the lesson comes in.

He didn’t come in and impose his way of thinking. He didn’t tell people that his way was best. He didn’t lay claim to having all the answers. Instead, he used what was familiar – customs and symbols – to explain Christianity.

He used the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity. He celebrated Easter and the risen God with a bonfire, knowing that fire was already a key part of Irish traditions. He merged the sun and the Christian cross, giving us what we know today as the Celtic Cross.

Rather than divide, he built bridges – bridges between cultures and faiths.

In a way, that’s what the St Patrick’s Day celebrations around the world continue to do. Each year, hundreds of thousands of people pull out their shamrock gear, wear their green, and tip a few to the Irish. All creeds, breeds, and generations welcomed.

Budapest is no exception.

The St Patrick’s Day celebrations are a little later this year, given the clash with the Hungarian 15 March national holiday.

Saturday, 14th March

As part of its European tour, Martin Beanz Warde’s acclaimed dark comedy The Dead House plays at The Workshop in Budapest.

“The Dead House is the story of one family in the west of Ireland and the return home of a son who is alienated from their traditions after years of deliberate absence. The play is set on the day of an Irish wake, when family stories resurface that have lain dormant for years, and the ghosts of the past bring with them the memories of trauma, loss and despair.”

Tickets are limited. Book soon – it’s one not to miss. Doors open at 6:30 pm, and the curtains go up (literally or metaphorically) at 7 pm. When you book, your name will be added to a list at the door. Your receipt is proof of payment.

Tuesday, 17th March to Sunday 22nd March

The Floating Lotus is running special St Patrick’s Day cruises in the run-up to the parade. Tickets are all-inclusive of drinks (including Guinness) and special St Patrick’s Day vibes. There’s also a discount for IHBC members. The 75-minute cruises run weekdays at 6 pm and 8 pm and on the weekend at 6 pm, 7.30 pm, and 9 pm. Check them out on Instagram.

Wednesday, 18th March

It’s been more than ten years since the late Ronnie Thompson made his last appearance at the parade as a lovable leprechaun. Ronnie and leprechauns are forever married in my head. I thought of him again when I heard about The Mocktail Mile’s  Leprechaun Lap n’ Wrap.

The lads have teamed up with Wrapsta for a day of fitness, fresh food, and fundraising for the wonderful Budapest Bike Maffia.

The lap of Margaret Island starts at 6 pm and will suit all fitness levels.  Don’t forget to wear your green. If you have a leprechaun suit, air it out. After the lap, it’s onto the 4/6 tram to Nyugati towards the finish line at Wrapsta. That’s, they say, when the real magic happens.

Refuel with some of the best wraps in the city and enjoy the alcohol-free vibes of The Mocktail Mile. There’ll be a charity auction and raffle with amazing prizes from their local sponsors. All proceeds from the auction and raffle go directly to Budapest Bike Maffia to help them continue their mission of supporting those in need across the city.

Register with your email via the pop-up @ www.budapestpt.com

Saturday, 21st March

Hot Paprika Comedy is bringing Irish Comedian Shane Callaghan and friends to Budapest. It’s another gig worth checking out. Get your tickets now.

Sunday, 22nd March

The annual St Patrick’s Day Parade will take place on Sunday, 22nd March. The celebrations start at 11 am on Szabadság Tér with Irish music from Nightingale, followed by a football demonstration by the Budapest Gaels.

Gaelic football (aka GAA) is NOT soccer. If anything, it combines soccer, rugby, and handball. It’s fast and, at times, furious. If you’re not seen it before, you’re in for a treat.

The Barbara Dance Academy will dance the crowd to the start of the parade at 1 pm. After following a pipe band and majorettes around the city, the crowd will gather again on Szabadság Tér for the Celtic triumvirate of ceoil, caint, agus craic (music, chat, and fun).

At about 2 pm, the Central European Irish Dance Academy will stage a special Hungarian–Irish dance fusion choreographed to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Irish–Hungarian diplomatic relations. This will be followed by traditional Irish music with The 12 Pins Session Band with more dancing at 3 pm from Iredance, followed by some great music from Folk Roses, which will set you right up for an evening in any one of the Irish pubs in the city.

There’ll be plenty by way of food and drink with a great line-up of vendors.

Saturday, 28th March

With a week to recover, you’ll be ready to dust off your glad rags the following weekend for the annual St Patrick’s Day Charity Gala at the Marriott Hotel. It’s another night replete with good food and drink and lots of entertainment that supports two very worthy causes: Women Together Against Violence (NANE) and Tarnabod és mi (TAMI), supporting orphan children in one of Hungary’s poorest communities. Tickets are on sale from the Irish Hungarian Business Circle.

And it’s not all about Budapest

As part of its 30th anniversary world tour, the record-breaking Lord of the Dance performs a series of shows across Hungary from 26 March to 1 April, visiting Szeged, Veszprem, Budapest, Pécs, Győr, and Debrecen. Tickets are available here.

A mad March it may be, from many people’s perspectives. If you’re in Budapest and need some distraction, fill your diary.

If you’re not in Hungary, have a great St Patrick’s Day. Tip one to the Irish and the Irish in you.