The hugely successful Mayo Day celebrates its seventh year on Saturday, May 1, with an outstanding programme of events to be viewed from around the globe.
It’s a virtual festival again this year, but if anything, that has expanded the reach of this extraordinary celebration of all things Mayo.
The emphasis is on People and Place and taking this opportunity to showcase Mayo to a worldwide audience. Details are being kept under wraps but some of the biggest names in the Mayo diaspora are expected to make guest appearances this year.
Highlights for Mayo Day include a one-hour flagship TV programme broadcast on Mayo Day evening on TG4 and the TG4 Player, and an online collaboration with The Irish Times focusing on business and enterprise on the evening of Thursday, April 29. It’s a unique occasion as Mayo remains the only county with its own name day, celebrating achievements, heritage and culture, diaspora and community spirit.
The TG4 extravaganza will feature the best of Mayo music and culture, conversation and craic, and showcase the incomparable beauty of our Atlantic county.
Guest appearances are expected from the Mayo diaspora in every corner of the planet and even beyond, with astronaut Norah Patten due to drop by. The standard of musical performances will be exceptional with Matt Molloy of The Chieftains, Laoise Kelly, Billow Wood, Lisa Canny and more.
Celebrating Mayo Day - The Mayo Way
Everyone with Mayo connections is welcome and encouraged to get involved.
Councillor Richard Finn, Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, said: "For seven years Mayo Day has highlighted the exceptional people of Mayo and the wonderful place that is our county.
"Although we cannot meet physically in our communities to celebrate, our festival can reach far and wide through technology and Mayo.ie I would encourage Mayo people at home and away to embrace this unique celebration and get involved."
It’s easy to get involved in Mayo Day: Raise your county flag where ever you are and send in a photo - Light up your house, or public buildings, in green and red - Send in a video with your Mayo Day wishes for inclusion on the TV show.
- Write a poem, host a Zoom party, do a Mayo-themed quiz - Join in the fun on social media and use the hashtag #MayoDay.
Le seacht mbliana anuas, tá glas agus dearg Mhaigh Eo ar foluain againn le bród; bród as ár gcontae, as ár muintir, as ár n-oidhreacht.
This year Lá Mhaigh Eo will be celebrated online with a great mix of music, dance and stories from around Mayo. Please check out the Facebook Page Gaeilge Chontae Mhaigh Eo over the coming weeks to see what will be online for Lá Mhaigh Eo 2021.
Mayo Day went fully online for the first time last year, which further enhanced the enthusiasm with which celebrations took place. This year there will be more opportunities to get involved.
Full information and updates will be posted on the Mayo.ie website and on social media. www.mayo.ie/mayoday2021
