Even if Munich does not color the Isar green for St. Patrick’s Day – like Chicago does for example the Chicago River – the city celebrates the Irish patron saint like no other. The largest parade on the European mainland is moving through Leopoldstrasse, and this year for the 25th time. That’s why the festival is even bigger this year: the parade is the highlight of a whole weekend, the parade becomes a festival.
Why do the Irish and Bavarians get along so well? That’s probably because of the beer and Catholicism, says Paul Daly, Grand Marshal and leader of this year’s parade. In 1995 he was one of the organizers of the first move, which was canceled three times due to Corona. There were simply a lot of Irish people who were enthusiastic about organizing and wanted to get something off the ground, he says. The campaign was a success from the start. The then only 100 participants were cheered by 3500 instead of 300 expected onlookers. To this day, the event is organized by volunteers and associations.
On Saturday, March 11th, everything is supposed to start with a street food festival and live music on the Odeonsplatz. Then there is a church service and a pre-parade party, before the green Lindwurm starts on Sunday, which then ends with bands and a stage program.
This year the city is expecting 25,000 visitors, even if the weather is bad. Mayor Dieter Reiter (SPD) hopes to break the audience record of 2019, which is around 50,000 onlookers. Reiter is a fan of Ireland, plays in a band with Paul Daly who is also performing at this year’s festival and has sponsored the event. But the great success of recent years has come at a cost.
The parade is traditionally led by the Grand Marshal, this year Paul Daly (left to right). Mayor and patron Dieter Reiter is allowed to drive a carriage and Wolfgang Schramm plays St. Patrick for the sixth time.
(Photo: Lorenz Mehrlich)
Due to the great popularity, the operating association Munich Irish Networks must now present a security concept that costs around 10,000 euros, says Sabine Rubin, chief organizer of the parade. In addition, the stage costs and the catering for the parading have become more expensive due to inflation, while at the same time a sponsor has jumped off.
People are already thinking about crowdfunding, says Paul Daly, but he has his greatest hopes in the city. Economics officer Clemens Baumgärtner (CSU) says he would definitely support a grant application. The organizer also wants to activate relations with Ireland and talk to Irish politicians who are expected at the Munich Security Conference at the weekend.
Despite the money worries, a big program has been put together again, enthuses Sabine Rubin. So the visitors not only expect the traditional bagpipe and Irish dance delegations. Two samba groups and the flag wavers from Hohentwiel also provide fun. A total of 50 groups with around 1000 participants have registered.