Brigid's Cloak created in Tipperary will take the place of honour at Florence celebration
St Brigid's Day
The Sliabhnambán Brigid’s Cloak devised in 2023 for the inaugural St-Brigid’s Bank holiday weekend by artist Theresia Guschlbauer and a group of Tipperary women has been invited to be part of a similar event in Florence this year.
The Italian city boasts a Santa Brigida church and statue and it was Tipperary native Bridget Anne Ryan who lives in Florence who extended the invitation, having been involved in a multi-cultural event there since last year.
The Italian event will be held this Friday on St Brigid's Day. It will be an evening event starting in front of the Santa Brigida church with the unveiling and procession of the cloak through the streets of the parish to finish on the main plaza with a concert of Irish and Italian music and displays and sales of foods and crafts.
The 10 meter-long vestment will be worn by the original stilt artist Dee Tierney accompanied by 15 locally based woman chanting the original chorus composed by Breege Phelan. Theresia Guschlbauer will be travelling with her to help coordinate the performance with support from local musicians.
The original cloak project was funded through a Creative Ireland grant and additional support has been secured from Tipperary County Council toward the travel costs.
"It is hoped that the showcase will leave a positive mark on the Florentine population and encourage them to visit our beautiful Sliabhnambán valley," said Theresia Guschlbauer.