March 17 is St Patrick’s Day which is a global celebration of the Irish culture. It particularly remembers Saint Patrick, one of Ireland’s patron saints, who ministered Christianity in Ireland during the fifth century. It is customary to wear green clothing or accessories as Saint Patrick is said to have used the shamrock (a green three-leaved plant) to explain the Holy Trinity.

The Irish community hold a black tie annual ball in Lusaka which was held at Radisson Blu this year thank goodness as I found last year’s venue Intercontinental hotel rather lacking servicewise. My teal dress was the perfect dance floor ensemble to those Irish tunes played by band that flies in from Ireland. It all begins with a prayer in Irish, then the ambassador says a few words, the raffle prizes are announced and the dancing starts. It was great fun, the guinness was flowing, the food was very well presented although I do wish hotels would offer other dessert options other than fruit salad as a dairy-free option.