On March 14th, H. E. Ms. Martina Feeney, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ireland to the Republic of Bulgaria,

hosted a reception in honor of the country’s national holiday. In the Concert Hall of the Central Military Club in Sofia, she welcomed numerous guests, including officials, ambassadors, diplomats, cultural figures, and journalists. The celebration also gathered members of the Irish community in Bulgaria.

As fitting for a holiday, the atmosphere was enlivened by Irish music and the world-famous Irish brands of beer and whiskey, lifting the spirits of those present. Many even indulged in the famous Irish dances. Indeed, that evening, Irish culture captured the heart of Sofia.

St. Patrick's Day, celebrated on March 17th, commemorates the anniversary of the death of the Catholic priest in 461 AD. Legend has it that he, the founder of Irish Christianity, tried to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity to people using a shamrock – today a symbol of the holiday. It wasn't until the 17th century that the Catholic Church recognized this day as a religious holiday. In 1903, St. Patrick’s Day was declared an official holiday in Ireland.

Photos: Facebook of the Embassy of Ireland in the Republic of Bulgaria.