St.Patrick's Day Parade

Sunday marked the beginning of the St. Patrick's Day celebrations here in London. The week kicked off with a big parade that ended up in Trafalgar Square, where an Irish festival kept the party spirit alive all day long.

There was a little rain at the start of the day, but that did not dampen the spirits of the Irish people

who were eager to paint the city green.

Leprechauns

of all shapes

and sizes participated.

About 900,000 citizens of London are Irish, making up about 12 % of their population.

They are very proud of their heritage

and St. Patrick himself oversaw the parade with 32 Irish counties represented.

Among the 90 entries were the Mahogany Carnival Group,

and Irish dancers

of all ages.

Here's a quick video with a few of the bands just to give you the flavor of the day.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Lord Mayor's Parade

Nothing like an exciting parade on a chilly November day to put some fun into our weekend. It was the occasion of the Lord Mayor's Parade, as he made his way from the City of London to the Royal Courts of Justice where he swore his allegiance to the Crown. A little background information first--the Lord Mayor is selected each and every year to represent the City of London, which distinguishes itself from greater London. The City of London, or Square Mile as it is sometimes called, is the business and financial heart of London, as well as its historic core, and it has the same boundaries as it did in medieval times--roughly about a square mile in size. With much fanfare, the new Lord Mayor is introduced and sworn in.

The Band of Welsh Guards kicked off the parade

and all in all, there were 20 bands participating,

including the Queen's Band of Household Cavalry.

Bands of bagpipes are always a favorite.

All branches of the military were represented,

including the Royal Navy.

Over 6000 participants walked the parade route, and there were some interesting characters along the way. I think this chap could easily pass as Lancelot.

There was sometimes a feeling of a carnival flavor

as they danced their way down the parade route.

Paddington Bear would have been quite pleased that many bears were part of the excitement, possibly because the name of the new Lord Mayor is Michael Bear.

It wasn't unusual to see participants in historic costume.

The livery companies were well represented. Having their origins in the trade guilds of the Middle Ages, they are now known as the Worshipful Companies.  In this photo is The Worshipful Company of Paviors.  

Their steamroller represents the paving work they are still doing on today's roads around London.

There are still 108 livery companies in London,

many of whom were represented in the parade, including the Worshipful Company of Farmers.

The parade ended with much pageantry as the Lord mayor approached. Aldermen preceded him in their coaches.

Traditionally, he is escorted by the Pikemen and the Musketeers of the Honourable Artillery Company.

At long last, the Lord Mayor approached us

in a State Coach,  first built in 1757. Welcome Michael Bear--may you serve your city proud!