Irish tunes and beer were flowing in Downtown Victoria today, and the party is just getting started.
With COVID-19 restrictions lifted, guests no longer are required to wear masks, people can mingle between tables and even bust out an Irish jig.
The team at Irish Times is expecting this to be one of their busiest days of the year.
“Two years ago today was the day we had to close in the morning. We had already opened up for business on St. Patrick’s Day and we had to close. Last year we had the party but a little more subdued, so this year we’re excited to have the full house,” says Dylan Hagreen, the director of operations with the Victoria Pub Company.
By 2 p.m. the pub was practically full, guests enjoyed live music and Irish dancers while bartenders poured their way through kegs of Guinness.
Not even a downpour could stop Islanders from hitting the town.
Over at the Penny Farthing, they too have welcomed the return of a normal St. Patrick’s Day party. The place was packed with green and Coastline Fiddlers took the stage after nearly two years of live shows being cancelled.
“It feels so great to be back, I mean I’ve Irish danced my whole life too so I’ve grown up in pubs on St. Paddy’s Day, playing fiddle, dancing,” says Abby McCluskey with Coastline Fiddle. “It feels good to be back to normal and back to something that we all love,” she added.
It’s a party two years in the making and it’s only just getting started.
Hannah Lepine
