Brigid Festival Vancouver

01/23/2025

The next Irish Community Coffee Morning, hosted by the Irish Women's Network of BC will be on Friday, Jan 31st, from 10am-12pm at the Consulate General of Ireland, Vancouver, to mark St. Brigid's Day on February 1st.

In honour of St. Brigid’s Day, community members (men and women) are invited to share a 3-5 minute story about an inspirational Irish woman. This could be a reading, family story or a historical/current figure.

Please register via the link below to attend or participate, and email [email protected] to confirm. Space is limited, participants will be confirmed closer to the event.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Jan31Brigid

Thank you to Deirdre Keohane, Paintings and Brigid Festival Vancouver for the use of Deirdre's painting.

05/02/2024

Irish-Canadian artist Deirdre Keohane, Paintings is planning to travel to Ireland this autumn to exhibit her amazing artwork at the Art Fair in Dublin and she's asking for a little help with the costs. It's a great way to say thank you for all her wonderful contributions to Irish culture over the years! All help is appreciated!

I want to exhibit my iconic paintings in Dublin at the RDS in November 24! I hav… Deirdre Keohane needs your support for Help me get to the Art Fair in Dublin

05/01/2024

This is such exciting news! A special cargo of BRONZE FAMINE SHOES has left Galway aboard the Marine Institute's RV Celtic Explorer to cross the Atlantic en route to Canada. The shoe sculptures are a symbolic gesture to mark the launch of the GLOBAL IRISH FAMINE WAY and will be placed at key memorial sites in Canada. Crafted by artist Alannah O'Kelly, the shoes are said to symbolize the countless lives lost and the forced migration of Irish people during the famine.

The story of the famine shoes began with a pair found hidden in the thatched roof of a 19th century cottage. Bronze replicas were cast and placed along the National Famine Way where almost 1,500 tenants walked from Strokestown in Roscommon to Dublin and set sail for Canada. The Strokestown tenants were part of almost 100,000 people who fled the famine to Canada with over 8,000 perishing on coffin ships.

The event in the Galway harbour to mark the voyage was attended by Professor Becky Whay, VP International at University of Galway, the Canadian Ambassador to Ireland Nancy Smyth and CEO of the Marine Institute, Dr Rick Officer. The arrival of the bronze famine shoes in St. John's Newfoundland will be marked by the launch of the Global Irish Famine Way, the aim of which is to raise awareness about the historical significance of the Great Irish Famine and the enduring impact on Irish communities worldwide.

Canadian Ambassador to Ireland Nancy Smyth said: "The decision to bring the bronze famine shoes to Canada underscores the shared history and cultural ties between Ireland and Canada, particularly the significant Irish diaspora in Canada. The journey aboard the national RV Celtic Explorer presents an opportunity to engage Canadian audiences in meaningful conversations about Irish migration, resilience, and commemoration."

The Global Irish Famine Way is a collaboration between the embassies of Ireland and Ottawa and the National Famine Museum in Strokestown with academic experts, local community groups and heritage agencies including Parks Canada.

They say the reception the famine Irish received in Canada has a universal message resonant today -"offering hope through compassion and success through opportunity to the stranger on your shore.” [Source: RTE News]

[NB: Special thanks to Dr Eamonn McKee the Ambassador of the Ireland for helping to spearhead the Global IRISH FAMINE WAY and raise the historical significance of the Great Irish Famine and its enduring impact on Irish in Canada.]

03/16/2024

In honour of St. Patrick’s Day, I would like to share the words of the late great Irish poet and scholar John O’Donoghue: “May the nourishment of the earth be yours, may the clarity of light be yours, may the fluency of the ocean be yours, may the protection of the ancestors be yours.”
💚☘️🇮🇪 (I just finished listening to his last CBC interview with Mary Hynes on Tapestry. Unfortunately, I cannot share the link due to the ridiculous ongoing dispute between the Government of Canada and Meta but the link is easily found in the podcast section of the CBC website. His words are timelessly uplifting and inspiring. Well worth the visit!).🌠

02/21/2024

Excellent article about Eamonn McKee Ireland's Ambassador to Canada and his outstanding achievements. Eamonn has been a great supporter of Brigid Festival Vancouver. Well worth the read....

Ambassador McKee has been at the centre of some of the most transformative events in contemporary Irish history

02/21/2024

Excellent interview with Ireland’s Ambassador to Canada Eamonn McKee and his remarkable background. Ambassador McKee has been a strong supporter of Brigid Festival Vancouver.

Ambassador McKee has been at the centre of some of the most transformative events in contemporary Irish history

02/02/2024

Greetings dear friends. Today is February 1, St. Brigid’s Day, also known as Imbolc on the ancient Gaelic calendar. Traditionally, Imbolc is the first day of spring when the crone Cailleach passes her mantle of Winter to the awakening Maiden of Spring. It is a beautiful time of year as we witness the wonder of renewal and rebirth. Since Ireland created a special national holiday to honour St. Brigid, there is a growing awareness of Brigid -- both the saint and the goddess. It is a magnificent tribute to the power of women. Wishing everyone great joy and peace at this special time of year.

01/30/2024

The Consulate General of Ireland in Vancouver would like to invite you to attend their February Business Breakfast Brigid: A Tale of Power and Strength on Thursday, 01 February 7:30 am PST/10:30 am EST.

Join them online or in-person at the Consulate as they celebrate St. Brigid's Day (Lá Fhéile Bríde) with guest speaker Philomena Jordan, an Irish storyteller who will share ‘A Tale of Power and Strength’. Guests will also hear introductory remarks from the new Vice Consul, Ms. Máire Ní Chríostal.

Tickets to attend in-person at the Consulate will be at a limited capacity and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please use the link below to select the type of ticket you wish to purchase. All guests must be registered in advance to attend.
Register here https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/february-business-breakfast-tickets-799032316167?aff=oddtdtcreator&fbclid=IwAR1H24G54O4ehpkUggle9orpmM5xp9iqAnZqEFXV41Aw1AAV98kxrXS6sFo

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email of your registration for the event. The link for the virtual event will be sent out to all registered attendees by close of business on Wednesday, 31 January.

The Consulate General of Ireland in Vancouver would like to invite you to attend their February Business Breakfast Brigid: A Tale of Power and Strength on Thursday, 01 February 7:30 am PST/10:30 am EST.
Join them online or in-person at the Consulate as they celebrate St. Brigid's Day (Lá Fhéile Bríde) with guest speaker Philomena Jordan, an Irish storyteller who will share ‘A Tale of Power and Strength’. Guests will also hear introductory remarks from the new Vice Consul, Ms. Máire Ní Chríostal.

Tickets to attend in-person at the Consulate will be at a limited capacity and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please use the link below to select the type of ticket you wish to purchase. All guests must be registered in advance to attend.

Register here >>> https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/february-business-breakfast-tickets-799032316167?aff=oddtdtcreator

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email of your registration for the event. The link for the virtual event will be sent out to all registered attendees by close of business on Wednesday, 31 January.

01/30/2024

PLEASE NOTE: REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED FOR THIS EVENT!
Dear friends, Brigid Festival Vancouver has paused for 2024 but here in Vancouver, there are still events to celebrate St. Brigid. Everyone is invited to join an event hosted by the Irish Women's Network of BC on Friday, February 2.

In celebration of Brigid's Day, the Irish Community monthly coffee morning will include readings about inspirational women. All are welcome to attend!

📆 When: 10am -12pm Friday February 2nd 2024
📍 Where: The Irish Consulate, 1095 W Pender St #1300, Vancouver, BC V6E 2M6

Registration is required as space is limited. Register here >> https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/IrishCoffeeMorn

01/30/2024

Brigid Festival Vancouver has paused this year but for anyone in Vancouver, you might be interested in an event hosted by the Irish Women's Network of BC on February 2. You will find details along with a link to register on our website at:

This festival will celebrate the healing, light and creativity of Irish women and women across the world. All events at the Vancouver festival are free and everyone is welcome!

07/18/2023

The Irish Fusion Festival is looking for VOLUNTEERS!! This great new Vancouver 2-day festival is debuting this August 18-19. This is a new annual celebration of culture, music, and food with an Irish twist. It will bring together talented performers from all over Vancouver to showcase their skills and entertain audiences in a lively and vibrant atmosphere.
As a volunteer you will be part of this exciting event whilst making the most of everything the weekend has to offer. With a variety of roles available, the team will ensure you have everything you need to get the best experience while on and off duty!
Volunteering at the Irish Fusion Festival is a great way to meet new people, gain valuable skills, and make a positive impact in your community. Plus, you'll have the chance to experience all the excitement and energy of the Irish Fusion Festival.
For more information or to volunteer, visit:

Step into a world of vibrant entertainment, from live music to dance performances and family-friendly fun. All ages can join in on the action with interactive games and so much more!