The Lion of Judah Monument in Addis Ababa is among the over 300 iconic structures around the world which went “green” for Ireland’s national day, St Patrick’s Day. For the first time, it included landmarks around the world including the Sydney Opera House, the Colosseum in Rome, the London Eye, Niagra Falls and many more.
The Global Greening is a unique campaign providing an opportunity to showcase the beautiful and iconic structures and monuments across the world, as well as giving a reminder of St Patrick’s Day and global links to Ireland.
Sonja Hyland, Ambassador of Ireland in Ethiopia, said at the launch of the greening of the Lion, ‘I am delighted that, for the fourth year in a row, we have ‘greened’ an iconic monument that is part of Ethiopia’s cultural heritage. The success of the greening initiative in Ethiopia is a testament to the long-standing and warm relationship between Ireland and Ethiopia. We are very grateful to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Addis Ababa City authorities and the National Theatre for their partnership.
Although a small country with a population of just over 4.5 million, Ireland attracted over nine million tourists last year. Ireland is also one of the world’s most successful countries in attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). With its pro-business environment and young, highly-skilled population, it ranks first in the world for inward investment by quality and value.
In previous years, the Embassy of Ireland and their partners have greened the Axum Stellae, an Ethiopian Airbus and the Addis Ababa Light Railway.
St Patrick’s Day, Ireland’s national day celebration, takes place on March 17. For the last four years the Embassy of Ireland in Ethiopia has supported the greening of iconic structures. Other events for the St Patrick’s Day celebration in Ethiopia include the St Patrick’s Day Ball which took place in the Sheraton Hotel on March 10. Attracting 650 guests, it raised hundreds of thousands of birr for local charities.