THE 'LOVELY GIRLS" OF TRALEE!!

Описание: A cherished tradition or a quaint anacronism? Is the rose fading in Ireland?The Rose of Tralee. A festival of pageantry, heritage, and international sisterhood that has captured hearts for over six decades.

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It often divides people into 3 camps. That its either outmoded and chauvinistic, or it’s an opportunity for women to express the best of traditional Irish values, or in the minds of many, sure it’s just a bit of Craic. I thought it would be interesting to look at the background of this iconic Irish institution. And in doing so we get a little visit to the town itself.

We visit the Rose Garden of Tralee town park, and it's there you’ll see a fine statue of an early Rose and her escort, such is the pride Tralee has in the tradition of this event. The Rose of Tralee International Festival was founded here in 1959 inspired by a 19th-century ballad of the same name, which tells the story of a woman called Mary, "the lovely and fair Rose of Tralee." The festival began modestly. A group of local businesspeople hoped to boost tourism and put Tralee on the map. Their idea? A pageant that celebrated the qualities of the ideal Irish woman — not just beauty, but personality, charm, and a strong sense of heritage.

Unlike traditional beauty pageants, the Rose of Tralee doesn't involve swimsuits or talent shows. Instead, contestants — known as "Roses" — are interviewed live on stage, often showcasing their wit, personal achievements, and cultural pride.

Back in the Rose garden, we can see the legacy of the competition, written on a glass wall. Today, Roses must have Irish ancestry, but they can come from anywhere in the world — from Chicago to Sydney, Dubai to New Zealand. This global connection is a huge part of what has made the festival stand out. Held annually in August, the festival spans five days and turns the small town of Tralee into a bustling hub of celebration. Visitors enjoy live music, funfairs, fireworks, food markets, and parades — all leading up to the televised selection nights. These nights are a staple of Irish broadcasting, watched by hundreds of thousands. The Roses are interviewed by the host — famously Gay Byrne, then Dáithí Ó Sé — in what often becomes a mix of heartfelt stories, humorous moments, and sometimes awkward encounters. The Roses themselves are chosen through selection events held across the globe, with regional centers in cities like Boston, Toronto, and London. It’s not just about representing a place — it’s about representing the Irish diaspora.

Despite its popularity, the Rose of Tralee hasn't been without criticism.
Some see it as an outdated relic — a modern-day debutante ball that reinforces traditional gender roles. Critics argue that the selection process, though not explicitly based on appearance, still centers women on a stage being judged — however gently — on charm and presentation. In recent years, there’s also been controversy over diversity. Until 2014, the competition didn't allow married women or mothers to participate. That rule has since changed, and in 2019, the festival welcomed its first openly LGBTQ+ Rose, Kirsten Mate Maher, whose win was widely celebrated as a step forward. Some feminists argue the event tries too hard to modernise something that can't be reconciled with progressive ideals — while others defend it as a celebration of female achievement and identity within a uniquely Irish context. Still, every year, the debate reignites: is the Rose of Tralee a proud cultural tradition… or a pageant past its prime?

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Rose of Tralee is its international reach. With over 30 global Rose centres, the festival unites the Irish diaspora in a way few events can. It’s not uncommon for Roses to be second- or third-generation Irish — young women who’ve never lived in Ireland but feel a deep connection to its culture. These women bring stories of Irish identity in Canada, in South Africa, in the United States — often blending their local cultures with Irish heritage in moving and fascinating ways. This internationalism has helped the Rose of Tralee endure where similar festivals have faded. It offers a global platform for cultural expression, community, and — yes — a bit of craic.

And for all the criticism, one thing is clear: the people of Tralee — and Irish communities around the world — still turn up in their thousands, year after year, to celebrate something that feels deeply personal.

So is the Rose of Tralee a quaint anachronism… or a cherished tradition that’s adapting with the times? Maybe it’s a bit of both. But love it or question it, the Rose of Tralee remains one of the most unique cultural events in Ireland.