Photo by Jordan Harrison /Unsplash.com
In Ireland, the streets turn green in the middle of March—specifically, the 17th. The traditional shamrock bedizens every household, McDonald's brings back its special Green milkshake, and everyone’s wearing ridiculous leprechaun hats and beards.
A brief history:
It originated as a religious feast day in the 17th century to honour Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, who is credited with introducing Christianity to the island. Over the centuries the festival has been modified to celebrate Irish culture and tradition—and is celebrated the world over.
The celebrations start with the Dublin airport pulsing with travelers hoping to catch a glimpse of the parade, drinking all the Guinness and Whiskey they can, and celebrating the festival in an appropriately rousing fashion.
My favourite moment was the first year I moved to Dublin, 2019, when I dressed in the little bit of Green I had and tried to get a glimpse of the parade. I'm not the tallest person, so all I saw were the tops of the heads of the performers, but I was still there in the middle of it all. My friends and I left the parade, got a few pints of beer, and sang along to traditional Irish songs.
We all have our favourite St. Patricks Day memories, whether it's eating green frosted donuts along the River Liffey or wearing green while walking the streets of New York. I asked a few of our Dublin co-workers to share some of their best moments.
"This was my very first St. Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin (2019) after moving over from Sydney. I didn't really know anyone, so I spent the day walking around town and enjoying the atmosphere and the vibe of all the locals & tourists. I went to buy some clothes and souvenirs from Carroll's Irish Gifts but ended up getting things for my pets instead."
-Mahir Mirza
"My best St. Patrick's Day memories are from childhood: getting all dressed up in Green, with leprechaun hats and face paint, to watch the local parade. We didn't often go into the "big" parade in Dublin City, but when we did, it was a real treat to make the trip into the city to see all of the floats and people dressed up.
In recent years, while living in Toronto, I've attended the Toronto St. Patrick's Day parade; while not as big and marvelous as the Dublin Parade, it warmed my heart as an Irish person living abroad, knowing that so many countries and cultures embrace St. Patrick's Day. I'm now looking forward to celebrating St. Patrick's Day back on Irish soil for the first time in over 5 years."
-Shannon
"My favourite St. Patrick's Day memory is when the parade was canceled in 2001 because of foot and mouth disease, and everyone on my road decided to dress up and have our own parade. I dressed up as Jasmine from Aladdin and I even made it into the newspaper!"
-Emma
“
Growing up, my family and I rarely went to the parade in Dublin's city center. One year when we did go in. I was around 5, and I remember my Dad standing at the barricade at the end of O'Connell Street, lifting me onto his shoulders so I could watch the parade go by. Definitely one of my favourite memories of Paddy's Day. To be fair, the chipper we got on the way home through Fairview was pretty class too.”
-Conor
“I emigrated to the States when I was a kid so my memories of the Dublin parade are fuzzy. I do, however, remember watching my first American St. Patrick’s Day parade: the sea of green, the jostling crowds, the sparkly doo-dads, the commodification of the Irish people as drunky-mc-drunky leprechauns.
So, after many years of avoiding these annual celebrations, imagine my surprise when I discovered a parade that I not only adore and march in, but I serve on the planning committee…St. Pat’s For All. This is an affiliation of like-minded souls and the force behind an all-inclusive Saint Patrick’s Day Parade that steps off at noon on the 1st Sunday of March each and every year. The annual march flows from Sunnyside to Woodside, Queens, and welcomes everyone who wants to celebrate Irish heritage and culture. Queens is often referred to as “The Borough of Nations,” and SPFA is living proof of the diversity of Queens and the greater New York area. This is the sweetest, most colorful, delightful, and fun strut down the avenue you’ll find.”
-Honor
St. Patrick's Day is more than just a date in the calendar; it's a celebration that transcends geographical boundaries and unites us in the spirit of cultural pride. From the lively streets of Dublin, where the air buzzes with the tunes of traditional Irish music, to the vibrant parades in distant lands, St. Patrick's Day makes us all feel a little Irish, if only for a day.
As I look forward to this year's St. Patrick's Day, we're filled with anticipation for the memories yet to be made and cherished—especially all the traditional music and the green-colored whiskey.
Here's wishing everyone a Happy St. Patrick's Day. May it be filled with laughter, friendship, and perhaps a little Irish luck.
