The Diplomat
Tourism of Ireland opened this morning in Madrid the Week of Ireland, a cultural initiative to celebrate San Patricio, patron of the Emerald Isle, and Celtic connections with Spain. Bono and U2’s The Edge tribute artists, Pavel Sfera & Steve Richards, who also bear a striking physical resemblance to the members of the legendary Irish band, have surprised Madrid Metro travelers with a surprise performance at the Plaza de España station.
As we reported yesterday in The Diplomat, Ireland Week will continue throughout the week with activities such as cinema, traditional dance, literature, talks, tastings, Gaelic sports and a great parade of San Patricio that on Saturday afternoon will walk the Gran Via and promises to be the largest and most spectacular to date.
The performance was also attended by Frank Smyth, ambassador of Ireland in Spain; Miguel Oliver, director of Client, Brand and Media of Metro de Madrid; and Susan Bolger, director of Tourism of Ireland in Spain.
“St Patrick’s, the Irish ambassador said, symbolizes the celebration of Irish culture, a culture that has reached many corners of the planet thanks to our diaspora and which has made St Patrick one of the most widespread celebrations in the world. This celebration is also an opportunity to celebrate the connections between Spain and Ireland. We both share a rich history of music, literature and traditions that have survived through the centuries.”