Opening St. Patrick’s Day Festival op de Grote Markt, 15 maart 2026.

 

Ambassador Derwin,

Dear all,

Good afternoon.

 

Let me begin with a confession:

As far as I am aware, there isn’t a single drop of Irish blood in my veins.

On a day like today, to be honest, I am almost sorry about it.

 

Because today, the Grote Markt is a favourite place,

Green is a favourite colour,

Guinness is a favourite beer.

 

Today is Saint Patrick’s Day.

An Irish holiday that is celebrated worldwide with great joy.

With parades, music, and ‘a lot of Irish bull’.

No one can ignore it.

Certainly not here, in this very place.

 

The easy friendliness that we know from the Irish pubs in our city

is freely spilling over the doorsteps here today.

It causes a wave of Irish cheer to wash over the square.

Look around you and see how everyone is enjoying it:

young and old alike.

 

Friends, families, and also those joining us on their own:

On this day, you are all as one.

On this day, everyone here feels a bit Irish.

On this day, everyone here is a bit Irish.

 

I wish you a joyful and vibrant Saint Patrick’s Day.

And, also on behalf of the ambassador,

I declare St. Patrick’s Day officially opened.

 

Thank you.