Amsterdam bans creation of new hotels
Another piece in the overall strategy to reduce tourist flows to the city
President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina, shaking hand with a fictional James Joyce, Source: President's Office of Ireland
With the centenary of James Joyce’s seminal novel, Dubliners, from President Michael D Higgins to the staff at Davy Byrne’s pub, are taking part in the festival
This year, James Joyce’s book Ulysses turns 100 years since it was published and Dublin promises to honour two of its most famous citizens – James Joyce and the fictional character Leopold Bloom. In fact, this week, much of the city is and will be embroiled in a festival called Bloomsday – an event inspired by the book.
Ulysses is a challenging read, even if the story takes place in only one day – 16 June 1904. According to some records, Joyce enthusiasts have been gathering and celebrating this quirky occasion since at least 1924. However, as time marches ever forward and Ulysses reaches its centenary, the book and the occasion have gathered many worldwide acolytes, turning the timid event into a global celebration of Irish literature.
In fact, this week, Dublin will be soaked with festival spirit, spanning many locations the main character Leopold Bloom visits in the book.
Yesterday, Ireland’s president, Michael D Higgins announced that he and his wife, Sabina, will host a garden party of 400 people commemorating the book and its author. According to the local national broadcaster, the RTÉ, will be the first large gathering in the presidential home since the start of the pandemic.
Moreover, for the past two years, the proper celebration of Bloomsday in the entire city had been cancelled. Despite the loss of time, however, Darina Gallagher, Head of the James Joyce Centre, explained that celebrations were held online, which opened up the Dublin-based Joyce community to the wider world.
The festival itself started off with a slow trickle of events from the end of May, including theatre productions and exhibitions. These slowly have ramped up in intensity and excitement until the programme reaches the culmination this week – Bloomsday.
Some of the highlights include a theatre adaptation of Dubliners, a previous book by Joyce, an exhibition by Robert Berry, a Philadelphia painter and the creator of 'Ulysses seen’, a comic book rendition of the novel, as well as dozens of book-scene re-enactments on the historic locations, like the Martello Tower in Sandycove.
Interestingly, Ms Gallagher stated in an interview that because the book takes place in real places around the city, it has played a significant role in preserving the iconic architecture and layout of Dublin through the last 100 years.
Silesian is spoken by about half a million people in the south of the country
Legislators and magnates have to await a preliminary ruling from the European Court of Justice
The building will then serve as the site for a new museum dedicated to Finnish-Russian relations
The tool helps identify undeclared swimming pools and garden sheds
It will serve as a virtual companion to the municipal network of libraries in the country
In addition, the federal government has launched the National Week of Action against Bicycle Theft to raise awareness of the issue and the new solution
The tests are also experimenting with a charging point that is easier to maintain
Reportedly, the aim of the local government is to curb violence and disorder among the youth
The city thinks that it’s time to update pet-related street cleanliness rules for the 21st century
Yes, you guessed it right, that also includes baguettes and cheeses
Reportedly, the aim of the local government is to curb violence and disorder among the youth
Silesian is spoken by about half a million people in the south of the country
Urban dwellers across the EU are having a say in making their surroundings friendlier to people and the environment.
Forests in the EU can help green the European construction industry and bolster a continent-wide push for architectural improvements.
Apply by 10 November and do your part for the transformation of European public spaces
Catch up with some recommendations for the 2024 European Capital of Culture programme from the mayor of Tartu
An interview with the ICLEI regional director for Europe аfter the close of COP28
An interview with a member of the No Hate Speech Network team