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 closer to Irish Christmas traditions through their "Irish Christmas Show". They transport us into this unique time of year, which has many distinctive customs, such as the "Wren Boys" tradition. Young men blacken their faces, put on wild straw hats, and dress in ragged costumes. 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 believed to be an ally of the devil. It becomes clear: Irish traditions reach back to pre-Christian rituals.

Danceperados take us back to a time before the commercialization of Christmas and the ubiquitous Santa Claus. English colonial rulers once banned Catholic mass, and especially the one in Irish, accompanied by Irish folk music. There are ancient hymns in the Irish language that were sung at Christmas, and they will resound during the "Irish Christmas Show". Added to these are English Christmas carols. The "Wexford Carol" is, for example, known worldwide.

Because many Irish people had to and still have to earn their living abroad, Christmas is always the time of year when all Irish people living abroad long to return home. They haven't seen their friends and families for a whole year and are overjoyed to celebrate together. The pubs are packed to the brim, whiskey and beer flow freely. Jigs and reels are played, which also have Christmas names, such as "Christmas Eve". Wherever jigs and reels are played, people dance wildly... It becomes clear: an Irish step-dance show with the motto "Irish Christmas" - that's just right!