The 30th anniversary tour by Riverdance rolled through Toronto this week with fitting timing as those of an Irish persuasion – or just plain Irish at heart – continued to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on Monday. And thanks to Tourism Ireland, several members of the trade were invited to enjoy the iconic show, which has become as synonymous with the Emerald Isle as shamrocks, leprechauns and Guinness.

Having made its debut at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1994, the show – now dubbed “Riverdance 30: The Next Generation” – has been seen by 25 million people in over 40 cities worldwide, said Ireland’s new minister of state Timothy Dooley, who attended the show’s Toronto opening on Tuesday.

“Culture is a way we can experience another place,” he mused at a pre-show gathering, “and Riverdance is a bridge and way for people to connect to the culture of Ireland.”

Ice dance

Beyond Riverdance, Tourism Ireland also channeled hockey for a little promotion on St. Patrick’s, teaming up with the Toronto Maple Leafs to celebrate the occasion and spotlight the deep cultural ties between Ireland and Canada while also showcasing the history behind the team’s former identity as the Toronto St. Patrick’s, or ‘St. Pats’ (1919-27). (The Leafs wore their green St. Pat’s unis while taking on the Flames).

“Historical accounts suggest that Irish immigrants brought the ancient sport of hurling to North America and over time it played a part in shaping into the game of hockey we know and love today,” noted Tourism Ireland country director Sandra Moffatt, who added that 4.6 million Canadians claim Irish ancestry and that March is officially recognized as Irish Heritage Month in this country.

To that end, game-goers saw Maple Leaf’s mascot Carlton the Bear embrace his Irish side, transforming into ‘Cloverton’ while stepping onto the dance floor with the StepCrew Irish dance crew from Ottawa; and a special contest (running across the Toronto Maple Leaf’s through March 31) was launched that offers one lucky winner and a guest the opportunity to visit Ireland with accommodation and two free airline tickets courtesy of Air Canada.

Meanwhile, here is a ‘New Generation’ performance in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin from New Year’s Eve.

Check out our ‘Listening In’ archive at https://travelindustrytoday.com/infocus-listening-in/