People dedicate holidays to everything from an appreciation for a parent to the birthday of a president. But when was the last time you stepped out to an annual celebration for a book? Bloomsday is a yearly tribute to James Joyce and his world-famous novel, Ulysses. The day itself is named after the novel's main character, Leo Bloom, who spends a single day traveling through the main streets and back alleys of Dublin while allowing readers a first-hand glimpse of everyday life for the people of Ireland. The events of his powerful yet realistic journey are styled to echo the legendary trials of Homer's epic hero Ulysses, for whom the book itself is named. The date of Bloom's adventure, June 16, is celebrated as an Irish literary and cultural holiday in over 60 countries worldwide. Bloomsday celebrations in the heart of Dublin include everything from dances and pub crawls to Edwardian costuming and marathon readings of the massive novel. Cincinnati's Bloomsday will include songs, dramatizations and spoken excerpts from Ulysses, along with insight into Irish culture and literature.
This local celebration of Bloomsday will begin at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Irish Heritage Center, (3905 Eastern Ave., East End). Admission is $10 and parking is free. Go here for more information.
