Greening the river Vilnele for St. Patrick's Day

On Saturday, 14 March, the river Vilnele in Vilnius was once again ‘greened’ as part of the celebrations of St. Patrick’s Day.  Approximately one thousand people turned out to see the spectacle, lining the banks of the river in central Vilnius.

Organised in cooperation with the authorities of the Republic of Uzupis, Vilnius’ renowned artists quarter, and the Pianoman Bar, the greening is now in its fourth year.  This year, the celebration once again featured Irish stew provided by Anne Jennings of Bistro 18 (an Irish-owned restaurant), Irish wolfhounds and music from Ireland and Lithuania.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador David Noonan recalled the importance of St. Patrick’s day in bringing together Irish people all around the world and in allowing us to share our culture with our friends.  ‘It’s wonderful that Vilnius joins so many cities around the world today to celebrate with us’, he said.  The Ambassador also recalled the many Lithuanians that now make their home in Ireland, saying ‘as long as they’re in Ireland we’d like you to know that we want them to feel the traditional Irish welcome.’

The dye used to green the river is approved by the relevant Lithuanian environmental authorities and is environmentally inert; it does not harm riverine plant or animal life.