Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated worldwide because of it’s entertaining nature. Saint Patrick, the patron of Ireland, died on Mar. 17.
St. Patrick’s Day was made an official Christian feast to commemorate Saint Patrick, the arrival of Christianity in Ireland and Irish culture. Those who observe the holiday religiously typically attend church or mass. The world keeps his legacy alive by celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with parades, wearing green and attending festivals.
St. Patrick’s Day is commonly celebrated by being decked out in green clothes, accessories or wearing shamrocks. St. Patrick was known to use shamrocks in order to explain the Holy Trinity to his fellow religious friends in Ireland. Freshman Nate Jacobs said, “St. Patrick’s Day is one of my favorite days to celebrate. Green is my favorite color so it is fun to come to school decked out in green and I don’t look crazy. Also, my friends and I celebrate it every year together by hanging out and watching movies.”
As Saint Patrick’s Day rolls around, many flock to Chicago in order to see the green river. The idea of dying the river green has been around since before 1961 to hide the sewage-filled waters. In 1962 the city decided to dye the whole river green and make it an annual tradition. The dying process takes place on the Saturday closest to St. Patrick’s Day. Sophomore Keyan Roshan said, “I’ve been to Chicago before for St. Patrick’s Day to see them dye the river green. That year was my favorite year celebrating because I got to spend it with my family in a really spirited city.”
The Rio Washingtonian Center is hosting their 19th annual St. Patrick’s Day parade. This year it will take place on Mar 16 at 10 a.m.. The parade incorporates Celtic dancers, bagpipe bands, clowns, fire trucks and much more. The shopping center also has live music, family activities and giveaways. Sophomore Jenna Robinson said, “I love the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade because it’s a fun experience for friends and family. The parade is especially nostalgic for me because my Girl Scout troop used to walk in it in elementary school.”
The National ShamrockFest is a musical festival that takes place in Washington, D.C. at the RFK Stadium Festival Fairgrounds. The festival features performers such as The Mahones, Flatfoot 56, Gaelic Mishap, The Shamrogues and many more with genres including Celtic and Folk music. They offer carnival rides, food, party games and vendors along with the music. Shamrock Fest takes place on Mar. 23 this year and it will be their 19th annual festival. Senior Grace Henchel said, “This will be my second year going to Shamrock festival. I went last year and it was so much fun. There is dancing and music everywhere you look.”
