St. Patrick’s Day falls on Thursday, March 17. Will you join the celebration?
While Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated to some degree in many countries around the world, it is given the most spectacle in the United States and Canada. It was made so popular here by Irish immigrants to North America, who celebrated the holiday as a way to preserve their culture in their new homes.
It is not technically a federal holiday, so schools and businesses will remain open. However, you should be aware that the celebrations often cause traffic disruptions, as main roads tend to be closed for parades. In New York City, the annual parade takes place on March 17 and goes up Fifth Avenue, starting at 11:00 AM on East 44th Street and ending at around 5:00 PM on East 79th Street. If you plan to attend, it’s best to arrive early if you want a good view. Visit www.nycstpatricksparade.org for more information, including road closures.
Other St. Patrick’s Day traditions include wearing green clothes and accessories, such as bead necklaces or shamrock-shaped glasses, food and drinks (usually beer) being dyed green, eating historically Irish-American food such as corned beef and cabbage, and most importantly, parties and parades. It’s a great opportunity to get out there and have fun!
The holiday began as one of the Christian feast days in the seventeenth century, marking the anniversary of the death of Saint Patrick, patron saint of Ireland. He was famed for bringing Christianity to Ireland as a missionary. In modern-day Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day is still observed primarily as a religious holiday, with the entertainment mostly for tourists’ benefit.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us at info@gravityintpro.com. Stay safe and healthy, and happy Saint Patrick’s Day!
