Mayo is leading the way in county pride. There’s now a dedicated day to celebrate your Mayo origins. What are you doing to celebrate Mayo Day?

Scattered far and wide across Ireland and around the world are as many as 3.5 million people with the green and red of Mayo running through their veins, a proud people, loyal to home and fiercely passionate about their origins. To acknowledge, celebrate and recognize all that is great about our county and its people, Mayo Day is taking place on May 2, 2015.

Mayo Day is set to be a celebration of our ‘Mayo-ness’ in Mayo communities around the world. The day is intended to be a celebration of the 'Spirit of Mayo' in Mayo communities and we intend to use this unique opportunity on an annual basis to showcase all that is great about our progressive, can-do county.

The initiative is being driven by Mayo County Council and is a first for any county in Ireland, claiming a date of its own on the calendar to celebrate its people and our place. Working with venues and communities, locally and internationally, there is a chance for everyone to play their part, contribute, celebrate and enjoy.

Plans are in place in towns and villages around the county to host specific Mayo Day events. In locations outside the county, including Galway, Manchester, Yorkshire, New York, Toronto, networks, and associations are planning events and activities that celebrates who they are and where they come from.

Schools across Mayo are taking part in art and poetry competitions “What Mayo means to me” and business across the county are embracing the opportunity to be part of Mayo Day, highlighting Mayo’s food produce, promoting Mayo day discounts, encouraging shop local campaigns.

One of the highlights of the Mayo Day celebration is a Mayo Day Live TV show which will be broadcast live from the Royal Theatre on May 2. The two-hour live television show produced by Irish TV and broadcast on Sky channel 191 between 8pm and 10pm will be a celebration of County Mayo - its heritage, its culture and its people. The show will comprise a mix of performances, music and chat in a gala-style setting. It will feature a star-studded line-up of performers, characters, and luminaries from County Mayo with An Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Enda Kenny delivering a live address from his hometown on the night. The night will be hosted by TV personality and former Rose of Tralee Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin.

The opportunity to recognize and celebrate our county on this one day in the year is something that is unique and we call on Mayo people worldwide to get involved, play your part. Plan a get together with your Mayo colleagues and friends, wear your colors proudly, light iconic buildings/attractions in your community in the Mayo colors.

We want to share the Mayo Day message globally so please let us know what you are going to do on Mayo Day, post your ideas and pictures on our social media.

For further details or information please contact [email protected].

Visit www.mayo.ie, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.