The St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Oslo, arranged by The Norwegian Irish Society, has become a big event. St. Patrick died on 17 March (c. 387 – 493), after being Christianized Ireland. The day is celebrated all over the world where you find Irishmen – Oslo in Norway included of course – in a parade the Saturday before. This year’s Grand Marshal was Johnny Logan, who also performed at the end of the parade. Here you see him walking with the Ambassador of Ireland, Gerald F. Ansbro:
Before the parade started, I had a nice chat with the Ambassador about Norwegians established some of Ireland’s most important towns and cities (in 800-900). In Dublin, one of the world’s largest Viking museums, and both Cork and Waterford were founded by the Vikings So the Ambassador and I agreed to that The Viking era was undoubtedly the beginning of cultural exchange and trade between the two countries. Situated on the fringes of Europe with small populations and long coastlines, Ireland and Norway share many features. Moreover, both countries have developed from being poor agrarian nations to become among the richest and most modern societies in the world today. Both countries are also well known for their strong engagement in peace and reconciliation activities worldwide and for promoting UN’s role as a cornerstone for an international legal order and worldwide security system.
Enough history – lets get back to the parade last Saturday, where I went crazy with my new Canon G11 camera (click to bigify and enjoy!):
From Oslo Central Station up Karl Johan, the city’s main street.
To set the right mood and an Irish atmosphere, like every other year, The Oslo Caledonian Pipe Band was playing and I shot this vid while walking among them – enjoy:
Another performance in the parade came from the girls in The Sound Irish Dance Factory and I made a movie – admit they are cute:
After the parade, there was speeches held and Jonny Logan gave a mini concert:
Speeches, performers and spectators – all in the Irish spirit!
The Parade in Oslo is attractive and even people travel from Ireland to support and participate in this event. Some think the parade in Dublin has become too big and also there might be other things attracting – like to meet Mr. Logan or some real Vikings:
Tonight my wife and I will meet up with some Irish friends at The Dubliner Folk Pub in Oslo. Some from the supporting team of the Oslo Blog Gathering will be there too – so stay tuned! Here are my posts from my last two years parades in Oslo:
St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Oslo, Norway
How about you, wherever you are in the world: Do you see a parade or celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in any ways?
I’m missing out on all the fun!! Gotta do something about this.
Excellent post as usual Renny :)
Happy St. Patrick’s Day. Big hug to you and Diane. :)
I’m cooking corned beef and cabbage and celebrating the holiday!
Great photos and post. I was there too; shame we didn’t come across each other. Was dead impressed by Johnny Logan. A real treat.
Happy St. Patty’s Day to you too, Renny! Looks like y’all had a grand time, and I see lots of green. :-)
Love and hugs,
Diane
I wore green today but your parade seems incredible. There really doesn’t seem to be much that I know of going on here… The video’s are so nice, and such great photos!
Have a green celebration & parade there Renny…enjoy!!!
I love how you are always in the thick of things, Renny. You are a TRUE Norwegian and proud of it. :D
Enjoy the new camera. I look forward to reaping the benefits of your new gift :) Looks like you had quite a good time at the parade.
I must go and see it next year. Looks great. Johnny Logan! lol, I looked at the photos before the text and wondered why the bloke looked so familiar.
It’s the annual St Patrick’s Day parade again! I didn’t attend the parade in my country this year due to my disability.
Hope to make it next year.
There is something about the Irish and Norwegians:
No other countries have more emigrants per capita to North America but Irland and Norway (If Scotland would have been a free country, they would have been #2).
And as you Renny, did write, after talking with the Irisg Ambassor to Norway:
The importance of the presence of the Old Norsemen to the whole region (even Scotland).
When thinking about folklore tradtions and song: There are many similaries.
Irland and Norway even won The European Song Contest together, Remember? Nocturne in 1995.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secret_Garden_%28duo%29
Great post, my dear friend.
btw. Sorry, but a strong cold prevented me to be a part of the celebration. You know I was supposed to join the party – but in my age: I must take care.
Great post renny! it was really fun to meet you and we are so glad that you want to be part of the parade! Hope to catch up with u again soon! if not, see you there next year!
I enjoyed your clips – felt like I was there. You know I had never heard of St Patrick’s Day growing up in France. But then, the country is quite secular and I did not follow that many saints. Here in Georgia there is a large celebration in the coast town of Savannah, Georgia. Here is the official site: http://www.savannahsaintpatricksday.com/. I have many friends who have been there and they said it is a lot of fun.
What an interesting post,. I read about the St.Patrick’s day from an fellow blogger’s post. But I was not aware that there would be a parade all that. I loved the simple and rhythmic dance and loved the beautiful photos. I am going to follow you that I would get regular updates. Thank you for sharing information with us.
Beautiful week end to you also.:)
Hi Renny, the last pic is just awesome……….u always give a lot of information in your posts. Pics r beautiful as always. Happy weekend to u too!
Great pics of the parade – and Mr. Logan… You don’t get more Irish than that! I’m half-Scottish so was happy to see the bagpipes.
Pubs in Stockholm celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, but no parade.
north eurpean traditional culture i love it
What a marvelous report about St Patrick’s day, Renny! And the last picture, I simply adore!!! I would want a such St Patrick’s parade here in Ollioules!!!! I should suggere it to Robert, my mayor!!!! thanks for the visit on my blog! You see I fested St Patrick’s day to at the pub with a nice celtic band! When my friends at work asked to me why I wanted to celebrate this day I answeered : ” Don’t you know everycountry in europe fest it and particulary in Oslo?”
Have a fabulous WE with Diane, Renny and I come back as soon as possible to read the last post I missed here!
Looks like you really had fun during the parade. And your new camera is cool!!
I hope you’re having a wonderful weekend, Renny!
beautiful pics
thanks for sharing info
I had forgot that you had such a celebration of St Patricks day over there. I don’t think we celebrate it as much over here. Sure, at the Irish pubs and maybe a party here and there, but I don’t know of any parade or so this year. I heard of it another year though.
Great photos – and congratulation to the new G11 camera – a great choice!
Oh oh oh, you are in trouble if Diane sees the last picture :lol:
Kids just got drunk here, we have no parade. There is one in Montréal though. It’s really mostly about drinking, which is a shame I find. I’m all for a bit of fun but it seemed over the top to me.
Fine videoer og bilder!
Er det ok om OCPB (pipebandet) legger ut videoen fra paraden på sine websider? :)
Wow very great famous pales looking very beautiful and very great visitable thanks for great sharing.
the parade look like soccer supporter to me
Wow very great visitable pleas all is looking very natural and also beautiful i love this pleas .
Hi all is very impressive share it again by again.
this is a lot of fun you got here….got something here for Oslo Blog gathering…sad to say I can’t make it this time..sorry Renny..my deepest apology.
http://myeurotravelandadventures.blogspot.com/2010/04/oslo-blog-gathering-2010.html
i wish i could visit this place and experience this once in a year event