The Czech Republic through the eyes of an Irishman: About life in Prague and Saint Patrick’s Day!
John visited Prague for the first time in 1992 when he arrived on an academic residency and because he liked it here, he returned after he completed his studies and remained here. He admits that the women in the Czech Republic are prettier and that he misses the sea the most. We asked him how Saint Patrick Day is celebrated.
John how do you celebrate St. Patrick's Day? Do you travel to Ireland?
I don’t travel to Ireland much any more. We celebrate this day at least symbolically with my family here: I cook Irish food, we put some green clothes on, we drink Guinness...
A few years ago the Irish Embassy in Prague held a Saint Patrick’s Day party and invited all the Irish people it knew about. That was very pleasant.
Do you also drink Czech beer?
Irish black beer, so-called stout or porter (the best-known is Guinness) is the best beer in the world! But Czech beer is also excellent, particularly when it’s from one of the micro-breweries.
Who celebrates Saint Patrick’s Day in Ireland and how important is this day?
The entire nation celebrates it as one person in our country. It probably has even more significance for third and fourth generation Irish descendants in America.
In Ireland it is a public holiday, which is as important as Christmas for instance, and it is also a church holy day, so believers (which means most people in Ireland) visit the church on this day. The most important element of the celebrations is a procession, which many people take part in. The procession represents many musicians, bands and various organisations and it is also enormous in America, but it is a little more modest in our country.
Do you have a favourite Irish restaurant in Prague?
I don’t seek out Irish restaurants, but I sometimes visit The James Joyce on Staroměstské náměsti, which is the best Irish pub in Prague in my opinion.
Do you think there is a large community of Irish people in the Czech Republic?
I have a few friends here. There is no big community here, rather individuals who are often well-integrated, like I am.
What do you like about the Czech Republic and what do you not like?
I like it here. The main thing is that my family is here. This is my home and I don’t compare it, I just live here, and pretty well, so I don’t complain.
Do you plan on remaining here?
I’ve already bought a cottage here, so you won’t get rid of me so easily :)
Great! :)
A brief explanation of St. Patrick's Day
Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated in honour of the best-known British preacher and missionary, Saint Patrick, who introduced Christianity to Ireland. His chief symbol is the shamrock (a three-leafed clover), which he used to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity during his missionary activities. The green colour symbolises the colour of his robe, in which he is depicted. He died on 17 March in around 493.
