Bloomsday 2024
The Consulate General of Ireland in Miami hosted a Bloomsday event at the Coral Gables branch of the Miami Dade Public Libraries on the eve of Bloomsday.
With a theme of "Tea Party Like It's 1904”, guests got into the spirit of the age in Edwardian finery.
The guest of honour was Ireland’s Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Sport, Gaeltacht & Media, Catherine Martin TD. The Minister gave a keynote address & presented prizes to the guests whose costumes best captured the spirit of the Edwardian age.
FIU’s Professor Michael Patrick Gillespie spoke to CG Sarah Kavanagh about the magic of Ulysses while extracts were read by Mitchell Kaplan; Prof Philip Frost; and Kate Kramitz.
This year, on Bloomsday, Ireland played in the Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup in Lauderhill, south Florida. Cricket Ireland President, Stella Downes, addressed guests and presented a beautiful video on “Joyce and Cricket”.
The University of Miami showcased a number of captivating artefacts including a rare first edition of Ulysses.
Meanwhile UM's Dr. Megan Walsh performed two stunning works by Irish composer, John Field, the man credited with inventing the nocturne. Dr. Walsh played duets accompanied by Juan Andres Gomez.
Special guests included Commissioner Eileen Higgins, Consul General of Canada Sylvia Cesaratto and Consul General of Japan Kazuhiro Nakai.
The event was a resounding success, bringing together literature, sports, and culture in a celebration that honoured Ireland's rich heritage. The Consulate General of Ireland in Miami extends heartfelt thanks to Coral Gables Library and to all participants and guests for making its Bloomsday 2024 celebration an unforgettable occasion.