Today is St Brigid’s Day (Lá Fhéile Bríde), soon to be the first national holiday (from 2023) in commemoration of a women, celebrating women across the country!
St Brigid’s Day is also known as Imbolc, a traditional Gaelic festival marking the beginning of early Spring, almost halfway between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox. Saint Brigid (also spelt Brigt, Brigitte, Brighid, Bridget) was the founder of many monasteries and a pupil of St. Patrick. She became famous for her kindness, generosity and miracles. Saint Brigid's history echos the Celtic goddess Brigid (goddess of war, poetry, crafts, and healing). Prior to the arrival of Christianity in Ireland, the feast of goddess Brigid was also celebrated on 1st February.
Although you may need to wait another year for your extra day off, St Brigid’s Day has become a perfect opportunity to celebrate Ireland’s female patron saint and Irish women alike. Brigit 2022, a new Dublin festival celebrating women, will be taking place on 1st February for the first time ever this year! There are a variety of events, such as tours, debates, film showings and interviews. These centre around the main event: SPRING RISE Brigit 2022, a concert at the Mansion House in Dublin, featuring the likes of Imelda May, FELISPEAKS, Sibéal Ní Chasaide and Tolü Makay.
There are a variety of global events you can join in with too, such as To Be Irish, celebrating the Irish diaspora across the world and creating meaningful connections with all those who call Ireland home.
However you celebrate, let Saint Brigid’s day be a reminder to us all of hope, new beginnings and brighter days ahead.
