Danceperados of Ireland - Spirit of Irish Christmas

Spirit of Irish Christmas

Every country has its own special way of celebrating Christmas. Ireland is no exception. Danceperados of Ireland bring us the Christmas traditions of the Green Island. They transport us to a time when certain customs take on unusual forms, such as the tradition of the "Wren Boys". Young men blacken their faces, don wild straw hats, and dress in rags. Disguised this way, they go from house to house, singing special songs and collecting gifts. In ancient times, they were accompanied by a captured wren. This bird was considered an ally of the devil. It becomes clear: Irish customs reach back to pre-Christian times.

Danceperados take us back to an era before the commercialization of Christmas and the ubiquitous Santa Claus of the Anglo-Saxon and our world. English colonial authorities once banned Catholic Mass, especially in the Gaelic language, accompanied by Irish folk music. There are ancient hymns in Gaelic sung at Christmas, and they will resound during the "Irish Christmas Show". Added to these are Christmas carols in English, known as "Carols". The world-famous "Wexford Carol" is one example.

Because many Irish people, both then and now, have had to earn their living abroad, Christmas is always the time of year when all Irish living in exile long to return home. They have not seen their friends and families for a whole year, and celebrating together brings them immense joy. Pubs are packed to bursting, whiskey and beer flow in streams. Jigs & Reels are played, often with Christmas names, such as "Christmas Eve". Where Jigs & Reels are played, there is wild dancing... It becomes clear: an Irish step-dancing show with the motto "Irish Christmas" - that is a perfect match.