Why do we celebrate St Patrick’s Day?

St. Patrick’s Day observes of the death of St. Patrick (17th of March), the patron saint of Ireland. The holiday has evolved into a celebration of Irish culture with parades, special foods, music, dancing, drinking and a whole lot of green.

It was emigrants (particularly to the United States) who transformed St Patricks Day into a largely secular holiday of revelry and celebration of things Irish. Cities that a lot of Irish immigrants live who often wielded political power, staged the most extensive celebrations. The Irish have observed this day as a religious holiday for over 1,000 years.

Who was Saint Patrick?

Saint Patrick, who lived during the fifth century, is the patron saint and national apostle of Ireland. Born in Roman Britain, he was kidnapped and brought to Ireland as a slave at the age of 16. He later escaped, but returned to Ireland and was credited with bringing Christianity to its people. 

How do we celebrate?

St Patricks Day is celebrated in many parts of the World. Thousands of pints of stout will be poured and street parties enjoyed the world over, including community parades in Dublin and London. Many people celebrate by wearing a piece of green clothing. Parties featuring Irish food and drink that are dyed with green food colouring are a part of this celebration. Many restaurants and pubs offer Irish food and drink which include:

  • Irish brown bread
  • Corned beef
  • Beef and Guinness pie
  • Irish coffee
  • Irish stew
  • Irish cream chocolate mousse cake