Oyster Festival

I spent the weekend in Galway with a friend of mine. The main attraction was the International Oyster Festival. I wasn't sure exactly where this festival was located so we just spent the night on the town. The following day, while walking around town we just happened to run into a marching band, which was followed by a Bag-pipe group of Scotts, then some classic cars and finally a bunch of people holding massive flags. I quickly located the Canadian flag and went over for a chat. It turns out this parade was heading for the oyster festival...and each of the people holding their countries flag was the "oyster opening" champion of their respective country. After 20 minutes of parading, we reached a massive tent where the event was set to be held. Unfortunately, tickets where €100 per person. But we're clever lads, so we managed to get in through the back door without paying a penny. Once inside, the party began! A couple thousand people, open bar, oysters, seafood chowder, smoked fish, live bands, irish dancing...and this all started at 1pm! The oyster opening competition was great, about 18 countries represented...Ireland finished 1st...Canada in 9th...no Polish entry which was disappointing since landlocked countries like slovakia were represented. The party ended at 6pm, at which point we went back to our hostel, met a group of Brazilians that had just arrived and headed out on the town once more. What a weekend...im still recovering :)