St. Patrick’s Day, patron saint of Ireland
St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated on March 17 in honor of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. History has it that St. Patrick was a Christian missionary who came to Ireland in the 5th century and helped convert the pagan population to Christianity. Today, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated around the world, especially in Ireland and among the Irish community abroad. The holiday is characterized by the wearing of green clothing and accessories, in honor of the color associated with Ireland, as well as by parades and public festivities. The tradition of celebrating St. Patrick’s Day dates back to the early 17th century, when the death of St. Patrick began to be commemorated in Ireland. Over time, the holiday became a national celebration that embraced not only the religious aspect, but also Irish culture, music and food. Today, St. Patrick’s Day is an opportunity for people to come together and celebrate Irish culture, as well as enjoy the company of friends and family. It is a day to be proud of Irish roots and heritage, and to celebrate life with a good pint of green beer in hand.
St. Patrick was not Irish
St. Patrick was not born in Ireland, but in Great Britain. He was kidnapped by Irish pirates when he was young and taken to Ireland as a slave.
What makes clover so special?
The shamrock is the best known symbol of St. Patrick’s Day. According to legend, St. Patrick used the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity to the Irish.
It is celebrated all over the world
Although celebrated mainly in Ireland and countries with strong Irish influence, such as the United States, Argentina, Canada and Australia, St. Patrick’s Day is also celebrated as far away as Japan and Singapore.
Irish National Day
St. Patrick’s Day has been a national holiday in Ireland since 1903.
A river tinged with green
In Chicago, USA, the river turns green every year to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.
The World’s Largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The world’s largest St. Patrick’s Day parade is held in New York, United States. It has been held since 1762 and attracts more than two million spectators each year.
First came the color blue
It is said that blue was the color originally associated with St. Patrick, but changed to green due to Ireland’s association with the color green in the flag and other national symbols.
Now it is green
On St. Patrick’s Day, it is customary to wear green clothing and accessories, such as hats, T-shirts, socks and sunglasses.
And beer, of course
Beer is a very popular drink on St. Patrick’s Day, and it is said that more than 13 million pints of Guinness beer are consumed worldwide during the holiday.
Traditional food
St. Patrick’s Day is a great opportunity to enjoy traditional Irish food, such as beef stew, meatloaf and potatoes.
Millions of cards
It is said that Irish people around the world send cards and gifts to friends and family to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.
Several days of celebration
In some parts of Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated over several days instead of just one.
Savannah, Georgia
In the city of Savannah, in the state of Georgia, United States, the second largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the world is held.
Corned Beef
In some parts of the United States, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated with a dish known as corned beef and cabbage, which is a corned beef and cabbage dish.
Visit to the cathedral
In Ireland, it is customary to visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin on St. Patrick’s Day.
