Irish American Heritage month is an annual celebration in the United States designed to honor and celebrate the role and history of Irish immigrants, and their descendants.

The celebration towards the Irish culture was created in 1991 by President George W. Bush, President Barack Obama and President Donald Trump have recognized the month of March as a national celebration and remembrance of Irish history and heritage. There are approximately 33 million Americans today who claim to have Irish heritage and ancestry.

The most commonly known way of celebrating is on Mar. 17, also known as St. Patrick’s Day. St. Patrick’s Day is a global celebration of the Irish culture and, although most people associate this day by dressing up as leprechauns and wearing the color green, it was initially created to remember the death date of the Irish Saint, Patrick. By the time of his death on March 17, 461, Patrick had established monasteries, churches and schools. On this day, communities around the world have celebrations, parades, parties and more to show their respect for him and have fun remembering the Irish heritage.

Another major event that occurs during Irish American Heritage month is the annual visit of the Irish Taoiseach, or Irish Prime Minister, to the US president in the White House Oval Office. During this visit, the Irish Prime Minister presents to the president a crystal bowl of Shamrocks, which is a traditional Irish symbol, and the leaders have lunch together. This important event shows the unity and relationship between the two countries.

In most areas around the country where there are residents of the Irish descent, there is some type of celebration in order to recognize their culture. In Montgomery County, there is an annual St. Patrick’s parade that occurs at the Rio Washington Center.