Brigid’s Fire by Courtney Davis illuminating the GPO in Dublin
HERSTORY FESTIVAL OF LIGHT
The annual international Herstory Festival of Light illuminates iconic landmarks in honour of women on Brigid’s Day.
The festival was sparked by Melanie’s epiphany: “If Ireland lights up the world green on St. Patrick’s Day for one man, why don’t we illuminate the world in celebration of women?”
Women's achievements and struggles have been lost in the shadows for too long, resulting in global inequality and a regression of women's rights.
That's why Herstory is harnessing the alchemical power of light, to celebrate women and equality, spotlight inequality, and create visions for a World of Equals.
Launching in 2017, the festival quickly gathered viral momentum around the island of Ireland, with castles, museums, theatres, libraries, offices and homes illuminating in celebration of women and girls.
Only in its 2nd year, the festival went international with participation in the USA, UK, Spain, Sweden, France, Lithuania, Slovenia, and Poland.
The 2023 festival generated 947,822,000 impressions and €1.4 million in earned PR value. The festival was key in Herstory’s successful campaign to make Brigid’s Day Ireland’s new national holiday.
Enjoy some highlights below and here
Ériu, founding Goddess of Ireland (yes our nation is named after a goddess!) by Jim Fitzpatrick illuminating Uisneach for the inaugural Herstory Light Festival in 2017. Uisneach is the sacred feminine centre of Ireland and indigenous elders journey here to start their world pilgrimages for peace. Photo by Killian Kennedy.
Transition by Courtney Davis lighting up Kildare Cathedral
Eco-activist Saoirse Exton lighting up Trinity College Dublin
Countess Markievicz by artist Jim Fitzpatrick lighting the GPO
Transition, sacred art by Courtney Davis lighting up Kilkea Castle in Kildare. Photo by Michael O’Rourke
The iconic Titanic Museum aglow with astrophysicist Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell.
Mary Magdalene by Jim Fitzpatrick lighting up the Magdalene Laundry on Séan McDermott street for #Stand4Truth