Saint Patrick

Sunday, March 17, is a special date on the calendar for many Americans as it is St. Patrick’s Day, a holiday that commemorates the patron saint of Ireland. Although its origins date back to the celebration of Christianity in that country, in recent years, this holiday began to gain popularity around the world, especially in the United States, where it became one of the most anticipated cultural holidays of the year. As is tradition every March 17, the United States celebrates St. Patrick’s Day, also known as St. Patrick Day or St. Paddy’s in English. New York City has the largest parade in the world, with an average of 2 million attendees annually. Therefore, we share with you everything you need to know about this great event that paints the streets green year after year.

The tributes began in 1631, when the Church established the date in honor of Saint Patrick, who died around the 5th century. However, the history of the celebration in the United States dates back to the 18th century, when Irish immigrants They began to arrive in the country. With them, they brought with them their traditions and customs, including the celebrations of their patron saint’s day.

Over time, the holiday became ingrained in the culture of the North American nation and became an occasion to celebrate Irish heritage and multicultural unity. Boston held the first St. Patrick’s Day parade in 1737.

Later, in 1762, the first parade was organized in New York City. According to various historians, the cities with the greatest number of Irish immigrants were those that tended to exercise the greatest political power, so, to celebrate their origins, officials began to organize large parties, including extensive parades.

On this day, the streets are painted green in the colors of the flag of Ireland, also known as the ‘Emerald Isle’. This color is also associated with the holiday of shamrocks, as Saint Patrick used to use them to explain the Holy Trinity to the Irish pagans. Furthermore, there is a legend that wearing green during St. Patrick’s Day makes you “invisible” to the mischievous leprechauns, the famous Irish mythological creatures, who like to pinch.

The Parade began on Fifth Avenue, on 44th Street (44th St.) and continued a completely straight route, until reaching 79th Street (79th St.), where the celebration ended. The event had the participation of various battalions and war bands.

Across the US, people dress in green and participate in a variety of holiday activities. From parties in Irish bars and pubs to family dinners with typical dishes such as “corned beef and cabbage” and colcannon – a traditional Irish dish made with mashed potatoes, cabbage, butter, salt and pepper – , food plays a central role in this celebration. And, of course, you can’t miss the beer, which flows freely on this special day.

In addition to food and drink, St. Patrick’s Day is also an occasion to celebrate music and dance. Concerts, dance performances and live music sessions are held across the country, where attendees can enjoy the energy and talent of Irish and Celtic artists.

Beer is the favorite drink of the Irish, according to the Irish Confederation of Business and Employers, reflecting the distinctive green color of the celebration.

The tradition can also be associated with the relaxation of religious restrictions linked to the Lenten season. Since St. Patrick’s Day falls during this period, worshipers are allowed to enjoy foods and drinks that are normally off-limits during that period.

Importantly, the practice of dyeing beer green emerged as an American innovation, popularly attributed to New York orator and coroner Thomas H. Curtin, as reported by National Geographic. In March 1914, Curtin organized a St. Patrick’s Day celebration that included green decorations and green-dyed beer. Currently, a harmless food coloring is used that preserves the flavor of the drink and eliminates the toxic substances previously used.

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