Studying in Ireland: Galway Oyster Festival
Monday, 21st September 2009
Located on the west coast of Ireland, Galway has got to be one of the nicest locations in the world to study English. September is an especially good time of year to go because of its famous Oyster Festival...
The festival was first held in 1954, and has run every year since. The idea for the festival came from Brian Collins, manager of the Great Southern Hotel, who needed to come up with a way to fill his hotel in September (the end of the main tourist season). He suggested celebrating the opening of the oyster season with a festival, and what started out as an event with 34 guests has now grown into one of the most well-known and popular festivals in Europe.
Thursday
Every year the festival begins with the group stages of the World Oyster Opening Championships – it starts at 8pm and only takes a few minutes! The winner must open 30 oysters in the quickest possible time.
Friday
On the Friday of the festival the Magnificent Mardi Gras Party takes place. Food and drink are in plentiful supply, including champagne, Guinness, a hot and cold buffet, and..of course...oysters. Vistors will also be treated to jazz music and cabaret acts throughout the evening.
Saturday
The official opening of the Galway International Oyster Festival takes place on Saturday and involves musicians and performers in the town square. The newly crowned ‘Pearl’ ( a young lady from the town ) will present the season’s first oyster to the Mayor and then a parade will make its way through the streets to the Oyster Festival Centre at the Radission Blu.
Sunday
Sunday at the festival is mainly about tasting and eating the oysters, and ends with a gala ball and end of festival party.
The festival is a great opportunity to experience to experience Ireland’s traditions, and famous party spirit. Noone throws a party quite like the Irish, and whether you like oysters or not, you won’t fail to enjoy yourself!
The festival runs from 24th – 27th September 2009
More about English courses in Galway
Tags: galway, language course, course, location, ireland, festival, food, english
Posted by Laura Lippert 2009-09 under Experience Cultures,
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