Groundhog Day is behind us. Easter is around the corner. And in the middle is a holiday associated with merry drinking and a centuries-old religious figure: St. Patrick's Day. Monday, March 17, is St. Patrick’s Day is widely known for its vibrant parades, green-clad revelers, and festive gatherings around the world. But beyond the shamrocks, Guinness, and leprechauns lies a rich history that dates back over a thousand years. Originally a solemn religious feast honoring Ireland’s patron saint, St. Patrick’s Day has evolved into a When is St. Patrick’s Day? St. Patrick’s Day, the feast day of the patron saint of Ireland, falls on March 17 every year. In 2025, March 17 is a Monday. Many celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on March 17 and hang pictures of shamrocks and mythical creatures called leprechauns. But who was St. Patrick, and why do we celebrate his life on this day? Patrick lived a full life, but not without his share of suffering and adventure. When you think of St. Patrick’s Day, you might think of green beer, shot glass necklaces that say “Kiss Me, I’m Irish,” and everyone suddenly talking The Real History of St. Patrick Saint Patrick’s Day, feast day (March 17) of St. Patrick, patron saint of Ireland. People of that country celebrate the day with religious services and feasts, but Saint Patrick’s Day has transformed into a largely secular holiday of revelry in other parts of the world. Around the world many churches were dedicated to St Patrick because they had some link to an Irish community. There are many in the US, and the most famous is St. Patrick’s Cathedral, in Manhattan, New York which opened in 1879. St Patrick’s Day. St Patrick is celebrated on the anniversary of his death on 17 March. These shows offer far more authentic insights into Irish culture, history, and humor than any parade or pub decoration. From historical dramas that illuminate Ireland’s revolutionary past to comedies that capture its unique sense of humor, these series showcase the diversity and complexity of Irish experiences across different regions and eras. St. Patrick’s Day is more than just parades and green beer. The real story behind this holiday is filled with history, legend, and surprising facts. Who was The first-ever St. Patrick's Day parade in the U.S. took place in Boston in 1737, with New York following in 1762, according to the History Channel. Do People in Ireland Celebrate St. Patrick's Day? This is an accepted version of this page This is the latest accepted revision, reviewed on 17 March 2025. There are 2 pending revisions awaiting review. Cultural and religious celebration on 17 March For other uses, see Saint Patrick's Day (disambiguation). Saint Patrick's Day Saint Patrick depicted in a stained-glass window at Saint Benin's Church, Ireland Official name Saint Patrick's Day The Real Story of St. Patrick. Many celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on March 17 and hang pictures of shamrocks and mythical creatures called leprechauns. But who was St. Patrick, and why do we celebrate his life on this day? Patrick lived a full life, but not without his share of suffering and adventure. Why it’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day: It reminds us that St. Patrick’s Day celebrations outside Ireland connect to the very real experiences of the Irish diaspora and their search for belonging in new lands. 5. “The Commitments” (1991) The Real Story of St. Patrick's Day Jill Gleeson & Terri Robertson Country Living March 17, 2025 St. Patrick was born in Britain to wealthy parents in the late 4th century. He was kidnapped at the age of 16 and taken to Ireland as an enslaved worker. While in captivity, he became a devout What is the History of St. Patrick’s Day? The first St. Patrick’s Day celebration took place in Ireland as a religious observance. By the 9th or 10th century, the Irish had begun observing March 17 as St. Patrick’s Feast Day. The holiday’s popularity grew over time, particularly among Irish immigrants in the United States. To help understand the real history of St. Patrick’s Day, and share a bit about the historical figure for which the day is named, we spoke to Dr. Sean Brennan, a professor of history at the This act, equivalent to canonization at the time, affirmed St. Patrick’s status as a saint within the Church. Thus, just as the myths of St. Patrick’s nationality and snake-banishing endure, so too does this modern revisionism—one that ignores the history of Ireland’s patron saint for sensationalism. St. Patrick: The Patron Saint of Ireland LEARN THE HISTORY OF ST PATRICK AND ST PATRICK’S DAY When you think of St. Patrick’s Day, you might picture parades, green shamrocks, and maybe even a lucky four-leaf clover. But have you ever wondered who St. Patrick really was? Long before he became the face of a [] St. Patrick’s Day is a global celebration of Irish culture that takes place annually on March 17, the anniversary of the patron saint of Ireland's death in the fifth century. The holiday has
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |