Happy St Patrick’s Day
Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in 2024
Every March, people across Ireland celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in honor of the patron saint of Ireland. With parades, shamrocks, traditional Irish food and music, it’s a lively celebration of Irish culture.
When is St Patricks Day?
St. Patrick’s Day always takes place on March 17th, commemorating the saint’s death in 461 AD. The holiday falls on different days of the week each year, but the festivities always carry on!
Rain or shine, everyone finds a way to celebrate their Irish pride.
MARCH 17 2025
Who was St. Patrick?
St. Patrick was a 5th century missionary and bishop who lived in Roman Britain and Ireland. He’s credited with bringing Christianity to pagan Ireland and converting thousands of people.
Legend says he used the shamrock to describe the Holy Trinity and drove the snakes out of Ireland. He became revered as the patron saint of Ireland.
Traditions and Customs
The most iconic St. Patrick’s Day symbol is the shamrock, a three-leaf clover representing the Trinity. Revelers wear green clothing and accessories, and decorate with Irish flags and leprechauns. Cities worldwide host parades with Irish dance troupes and marching bands. Traditional Irish dishes like shepherd’s pie, soda bread and stew are enjoyed by all. From mass at church to pints at the pub, there are many ways to celebrate!
Wearing Green
Wearing green: Green is the national color of Ireland, and many people choose to wear green clothing and accessories to mark the occasion. Some people even dye their hair or beard green for the day!
St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations
Ireland goes all out on March 17th with festivities nationwide. Dublin hosts a multiday festival with parades, concerts, treasure hunts and fireworks. Downpatrick in Northern Ireland holds a major celebration at St. Patrick’s grave site. In cities worldwide from New York to Sydney, the Irish diaspora joins in the revelry making this a truly global holiday.
Celebrating at Home
You can bring Irish cheer into your home too! Decorate with shamrocks and leprechauns. Cook up some hearty Irish stews, soda breads and potato dishes. Play great Irish bands like the Dubliners, Clancy Brothers and U2. Toast the holiday with a pint of Guinness or Irish whiskey. However you decide to celebrate, make sure you don your greenest garb. Erin go bragh!
Toast with some Irish Whisky
Toasting with Irish whiskey: Irish whiskey is a popular drink in Ireland, and many people choose to toast with a shot of whiskey to mark the occasion.
Celebrating with a feast: Many people celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by having a special feast or dinner. Traditional Irish foods such as corned beef and cabbage, Guinness stew, and Irish soda bread are often served, along with a variety of other dishes.
March 17th has evolved into a global celebration of Irish heritage and culture.
However you decide to spend the holiday, take a moment to reflect on the legend of St. Patrick and his contributions to Ireland. Happy St. Patrick’s Day, and may the luck of the Irish be with you!
Click here for St Patricks day info and parade information
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