BLOOMSDAY is an annual Irish tradition observed on June 16th, commemorating Irish writer JAMES JOYCE and the events described in his novel ULYSSES, all of which took place in Dublin on the same day; June 16, 1904.
The name BLOOMSDAY derives from Leopold Bloom, the protagonist of the novel that chronicles his passage during an ordinary day on June 16, 1904 (the day of Joyce’s first date with his future wife, Nora Barnacle).
Modern-day celebrations include Ulysses readings, elaborate dramatizations, pub crawls and general merriment. Avid enthusiasts in Ireland dress in Edwardian costume and retrace Bloom’s route around Dublin. Truly hard-core devotees have even been known to hold marathon readings of the entire novel, some lasting up to 36 hours – as probably a few pub crawls have as well!
The first Bloomsday celebration took place in 1954. In 2004 during a 100th anniversary celebration of the fictional events described in the book, 10,000 people in Dublin ate a full Irish breakfast together outdoors on O’Connell Street.
On Thursday, June 16, 2011 at 7pm, FINN McCOOL’S IRISH PUB in Santa Monica will host their annual BLOOMSDAY celebration in collaboration with the LA IRISH FILM FESTIVAL and a prestigious group of actors (last year, Kathleen Quinlan joined the troupe) reading hilarious (& bawdy) passages from JAMES JOYCE’s Ulysses. Festivities continue with live (& lively) music from 9pm until closing. Edwardian costume – or at least a splendid hat – remains the theme of the day with the best dressed costume garnering tickets to the OPENING NIGHT GALA of the 2011 LA IRISH FILM FESTIVAL.
Get there early to find a spot!
About FINN McCOOL’S IRISH PUB: The Irish Herald says, “The moment you walk through the doors of Finn McCool’s Irish Pub in Santa Monica, you hear the racing clip of fresh Irish accents from [the] bar and wait staff [who are] bantering with each other as they serve an assortment of Irish fayre and beverages to satisfied customers smitten by the ambiance of genuine Irish charm†.
Music plays a key role amongst the Irish and LA Magazine rated the Sunday Night Traditional Irish Music as the “Best Irish Music in Los Angeles” and is known for showcasing renowned musicians, as well as up-and-coming performers, almost every night.
Finn McCool’s features 17 draught beers, over 200 whiskeys from all over the globe, a full bar and an impressive cocktail and wine list. The menu runs the gamut from Traditional Irish Boxty’s and Irish Potato Skins featured on The Travel Channel’s PUB PARADISE, to fresh salmon and home-made gravlax. They also feature an extensive Vegetarian and Vegan Menu to delight the most healthy or socially conscious palette.
