By Ciara Long, Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The city of Rio might not have the largest Irish diaspora, but it certainly hosts some enthusiastic St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Almost every hotspot might be sporting green for the night and declaring promotions on beer, but a selection of venues are hosting more authentic celebrations.
Among the dozens of bar, pubs and clubs seizing the day, a handful are bringing their Irish namesake and heritage to the night, specializing in beer promotions and live music. First to kick off celebrations is the Lucky Screw Irish Pub in Copacabana, beginning from 10:30 AM and lasting until late in the night.
“An Irish pub that didn’t host a St. Patty’s day event would be just wrong,” said Lucky Screw managing partner Chuck Cassie. “It’s St Patty’s day! The other 364 days of the year are practice!”
With green beer flowing from behind the bar and live music from band Grecco beginning at 10PM, the Lucky Screw promises a lively evening. The pub offers over fifty specialty beers and full menu to make sure there is no reason to leave until the lights turn down.
Nearby in Ipanema, Shenanigan’s will be hosting celebrations throughout the weekend with a special green beer chopp in addition to Guinness, promotions on Heineken and deals on snacks.
Also tapping into Irish culture for the night will be the Lapa Irish Pub owner Bob Fetterman. The pub, which is listed as one of Expedia’s top ten place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day outside of Ireland, will feature live music from Irish acts for the annual celebration this year.
“The Lapa Irish Pub always has an Irish atmosphere because of our decor,” Fetterman told The Rio Times. ”But on St. Patrick’s Day we have a whole night of Irish music, that many join in dancing the Irish Jig.”
Lively venue The Maze, most famous for its legendary monthly jazz nights and its spectacular views of the city, is also one of several to host its own St Patrick’s Day evening.
Formed by accident eleven years ago when owner Bob Nadkarni’s barbecue with friends turned into a live jazz session, Nadkarni hopes this year to recreate the spontaneous, intimate atmosphere of that first gathering.
“Eleven years passed and it seemed like a good time to bring back that unforgettably lucky day,” said owner Bob Nadkarni. “My two present Irish residents insisted that the day of the luck of the Irish was perfect. And so, we’ll have some happy jazz, raise our caipirinhas to St Patrick, fall into an Irish sing-song…”
See The Rio Times Nightlife guide, for more information about the scheduled St. Patrick’s Day events in Rio tonight, including times and addresses.