An Irish American website has listed Auckland as one of the 19 most surprising places around the world to celebrate St Patrick’s Day.
“Aukland(sic) holds the distinction of holding the first St Patrick’s Day party, since midnight on March 17 reaches New Zealand’s largest city before anywhere else.”
“It is also the farthest celebration away from Ireland, almost exactly the opposite end of the world at a massive 11,290 miles away from Dublin.”
“Naturally, Auckland’s 1,076-foot Sky Tower is lit with the Irish Tricolor for the day.”
Compared to some of the other places on the list, Auckland’s celebration seems, to a New Zealander at least, to be pretty unexceptional.
The Parade, which has become an annual event in Queen Street, was probably the first in the world, this year at least, because the Hugh Green Group Parade took place on Sunday the 15th. Watch Video.
It was competing for attention with the cricket, The Eagles, Pasifika Festival, the Volvo Ocean Race, and an approaching hurricane.
The annual Emerald Ball was held on Friday 13th.
The ball was billed as “an opportunity to savour the delights of Irish hospitality and culture.”
“A guaranteed fun night out with traditional music and dancing, delicious food and Irish craic, a night that will be remembered long after the event.”
According to the promoters the Ball is a “premier event attended by many high-profile dignitaries and personalities from both the Irish and New Zealand communities.”
The ticket price was $2250+ GST for a table of 10.
That included a 3 course Irish inspired meal with accompanying wine, Guinness, and Baileys.
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