The famous Christ Redeemer state in Rio De Janerio, Brazil will be wearing Green on St Patrick’s Day 2013 joining other world renowned landmarks such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy and the Empire State Building in New York, USA.
The announcement of the Christ Redeemer’s impending choice of colour was made by Rio’s archbishop, during the visit to the world famous landmark by our President Michael D Higgins who is currently on an official visit to three countries within South America.
Unveiled in 1931 and looking down on the city, the 30 metre high statue was elected as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World in 2007, and was meant to have been green for this year’s St Patrick’s Day but there was a mix up on the evening before and the statue was bathed in its traditional white light. Celebrations across Brazil on St Patrick’s Day have become more popular within the recent years, mostly due to the growing number of Brazilian students coming in to contact with the celebrations in Ireland when over here studying English.
It is hoped that the greening of the Christ Redeemer statue, which sits atop a mountain and is arguable become one of Brazil’s most recognised landmarks will help to promote our national holiday and raise awareness for Ireland as a vacation destination.
Notoriously a jubilant day of celebrations, St Patrick’s Day 2013 looks set to be a big hit in more ways than one next year, both here and around the world.