The Embassy of Ireland in Luxembourg has confirmed that it will not be holding its traditional St. Patrick's Day celebration this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Last year, the Embassy of Ireland in Luxembourg cancelled its St. Patrick's Day reception, held annually on 17 March, over coronavirus concerns, with the hope that it could take place later in the year. This was not the case, however, as the pandemic continued into 2021.
To celebrate the occasion instead, the Department of Foreign Affairs and others in Ireland are putting together online material aimed at Irish people overseas. This includes direct messages, video clips and cultural segments, among other things, to help "provide a little taste of home, while we cannot currently travel there", as Luxembourg's Irish Ambassador Stephen Dawson noted. Further information including links to this material will be available nearer the date. The Ambassador expressed hope that the Embassy can hold a community gathering later this year, health context permitting.
The Embassy will also be preparing a few baskets of Irish food products to raffle among members of the community. No tickets are needed; those wishing to be included in the raffle should contact the Embassy by Wednesday 10 March 2021 via its "Contact Us" form ("Ambassador's Office"), providing their name, email address, telephone number and postal address.
In addition, children are invited to submit a picture for St. Patrick's Day, which the Embassy will use on its e-card for the day. The theme of the drawing is a representation of St. Patrick or a similar theme around Ireland's national holiday. The top three drawings will receive Irish books, with the winning drawing being selected for the Embassy's e-card. Those interested should send their drawing by 10 March via email: luxembourg@dfa.ie.
