On Easter Monday, 1916, a small sect of the Irish population staged a militant revolt against English colonization and prejudicial rule. The band of militia, made up of politicians, radicals, poets, and ordinary citizens, stormed strategic points of British military control.

Once the group gained control of the General Post Office, a massive structure located in the heart of the city, they read a declaration of independence (“Easter Proclamation”) from the steps. For the first time in centuries, Ireland began life as an independent republic.

The rest, as the cliché goes, is history.

The movement was quickly squashed by the mighty British military, resulting in many lives being lost. The leaders were executed in the subsequent weeks, fuelling support for the republic.

Eventually, Ireland became an independent country – save, of course, for Northern Ireland – and the Easter Rising, as it became known, was forever etched into hearts and history books alike.

To celebrate the 90th anniversary of such a momentous occasion in Irish history – comparatively akin to the 4th of July in America – the entire city shut down.

So, after attending Easter service, my friends and I strolled down to the city centre, to the very spots of revolt, enjoying an all too rare sunny day.

We strained to watch an elaborate and parade and even get a glimpse President Mary McAleese. We watched as tanks and armoured cars, soldiers, and marching bands all paid unique tribute to the holiday.

Less “globalized” and epicurean than the St. Patrick’s Day parade, the Easter Rising celebration was more of a grateful homage to those who paid the blood sacrifice to a fledgling independent nation.

As we hummed along to Irish national tunes (mainly “Molly Malone”), we could not help but get swept along with the spirit of nationalism and pride of the Irish people. Were it not for the indepence movement 90 years ago, we realized, we would not be here today.

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