What's your favorite part of Bloomsday? There are many things to choose from.
1. That admission is free.
2. It's at the Hammer Museum.
3. Not only that, it is at the Hammer Museum every year, making it quite the lively tradition by this point.
4. That Bloomsday, which marks the anniversary of the publication of "Ulysses," is a tradition in points all over the globe. The celebration of James Joyce and his masterwork draws literary fans, fans of Irish culture, fans of Celtic tunes, fans of public readings, and, yep, fans of Guinness. It's year 106 for the anniversary, by the by, which is plenty impressive.
5. That Bloomsday usually falls around Father's Day, and actually will this year -- that's Sunday, June 16 -- meaning that if your dad is something of a Joyce buff, or just wants something beyond lunch out this year, you've got a really amazing plan.
6. Tunes are played of the traditional, get-up-and-dance, if you like, variety. The Sweet Set will be doing the string-sweet honors this year.
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7. That the public is welcome to participate in the reading of "Ulysses," one page per person (if you feel like volunteering.
8. That "Edwardian-chic" is the manner of dress suggested by the Hammer.
9. That Joycean scholars will be in the house -- er, museum -- discussing all things "Ulysses."
10. That a screening of "Bloom" will get the afternoon going at 2 p.m. Dublin 4 will finish the night around 10 p.m., meaning you'll enjoy eight hours of wordly devotion.
11. Oh, and Guinness. That's a good one to go out on.
Bloomsday, a free celebration of James Joyce and his masterful "Ulysses," breaks out the stirring orations and foamy beers on Sunday, June 16. Admission is indeed free, but parking will cost, please note.
