Hong Kong to get its first New York-style St Patrick's Day parade
Dublin's man in city plans a grand celebration of all things Celtic
The Central harbourfront goes green on Sunday for the city's first St Patrick's Day parade, as Hongkongers join millions worldwide who celebrate Ireland's big day.
About 500 people are expected to gather near piers nine and 10 from 2pm before heading to Tamar Park to celebrate all things Celtic ahead of St Patrick's Day, next Tuesday. The parade will feature marching bands, Irish and Scottish dancers, dragon and lion dance troupes and plenty of bagpipes.
The event was spearheaded by Ireland's consul general in Hong Kong and Macau Peter Ryan, who opened the consulate in August, a strategic move as Ireland's economy picks up after the international financial crisis.
Ryan, a career diplomat, organised inaugural St Patrick's Day parades in Seoul in 2001 and in Singapore in 2005 so he's no stranger to bringing the green-tinged national day to Asia.
"It's a little bit of an obsession," he said on Wednesday. "Everybody everywhere celebrates St Patrick's Day and it's been marked in Hong Kong with sports and a whole range of events but never in parade form.
"I just feel they are a very good way to bring people together. This isn't just celebrating Irish culture, it's giving local groups the chance to engage with Irish counterparts. And it's a bit of fun."