Dublin throws diverse St. Patrick parade (land of new immigrants)

[rodeodance]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070317/ap_on_re_eu/ireland_st__patrick_s_day;_ylt=AhMTTgtMiqO1P8QMQO8nY8ys0NUE

Dublin throws diverse St. Patrick parade By SHAWN POGATCHNIK, Associated Press Writer
2 hours, 6 minutes ago



DUBLIN, Ireland - Lithuanian musicians, drum-beating Punjabis and West African dancers used Dublin's St. Patrick's Day parade on Saturday to celebrate their place in a booming Ireland that has become a land of immigrants.

One man dressed as St. Patrick in papal hat and sunglasses did the samba, while another float nearby featured "Miss Panty," Dublin's premier drag queen.

Dublin's freewheeling parade drew a half-million spectators and included Christine Quinn, the first openly gay leader of the New York City Council. Quinn is boycotting the more conservative New York parade because the organizers refuse to let gay and lesbian groups march.

...........

"The fact I'm here in Dublin and able to march and participate in inclusive events should send a message of how backwards the New York parade is," said Quinn.

The Irish economy has been booming for the past 13 years, drawing immigrants from around the world to the country — and its festivities.

[Solon]

1. Now that sounds like a party!

The Ancient Order of Hibernians can kiss my Irish ass! Damned Homophobes.

[Maeve]

2. You can watch it on RTE

Go to their home page and click on the festival story.
http://www.rte.ie/news/