Saint Patrick's Day

Beer, music, and dance. These three words sum up the Saint Patrick’s Day celebration in Ireland. Every March 17th, the Irish national holiday, the Irish take the opportunity to party, sing, dance, drink, and proudly proclaim their Irish identity, proving just how “Proud to Be Irish” they are. This exceptional moment is now celebrated worldwide, especially in Ireland, the United States, and Canada, honoring Ireland and its cultural heritage!

A celebration for the Irish and the Irish at heart

The history of Saint Patrick: from origins to today!

Saint Patrick’s Day is a popular festival of Irish origin that allows the Irish to celebrate their history and culture. It takes place annually on March 17th. Declared a public holiday since 1903, this day is primarily a festive and patriotic event, 100% traditional, celebrating Ireland in all its facets.

It is named “Saint Patrick” after a Scotsman named Maewyn Succat, who was later known as “Saint Patrick.” This 5th-century man is known for converting the island of Ireland to Christianity—a remarkable feat for the time that truly shaped modern Ireland (the country is now predominantly Catholic).

Legend has it that he used the three-leaf Irish shamrock to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity to the Lords of the Kingdom of Ireland to convert them (which is why the shamrock is a cherished symbol of Ireland!).

Friendliness and simplicity: all together to celebrate the pride of being Irish!

Remember the date: Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated every March 17th! Today, it mainly takes place in the streets and Irish pubs, where you can toast with warm and festive Irish people.

The program includes parades, concerts, traditional music sessions in the streets, tastings of delicious Irish dishes, and pints of Guinness or other Irish beers aplenty (of course, to be enjoyed responsibly)! You can also dance, sing, and party, painted green, dressed as a leprechaun, or simply as Saint Patrick! Here, no one judges; the Irish don’t take themselves too seriously, and that’s a good thing!

A full program that demonstrates the simplicity and festive warmth of the Irish, who remain deeply attached to their country!

Above all, don’t miss Saint Patrick’s Day in Dublin: that’s where it all happens! Everything there is grandiose! Don’t miss the Temple Bar district, attend the Grand Parade on O’Connell Street organized by the St Patrick’s Festival… You will be amazed by such a lavish display!

Rest assured: you don’t have to be Irish to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day! In Ireland, locals warmly welcome the Irish “at heart”! So don’t hesitate to join the celebration—they will be even prouder! Especially since a Saint Patrick’s Day celebrated outside Ireland will be much less vibrant than in Dublin or anywhere else in Ireland!

Saint Patrick’s Day is not only celebrated in Ireland!

Aerial view of the Chicago River

The United States, home to many Irish descendants following the Great Famine migrations, also celebrate the event! Notably in cities like Boston and Chicago. The latter even celebrates Saint Patrick’s Day by dyeing its river (the Chicago River) a bright green!

As for New York, the celebration takes on impressive proportions! It mainly takes place on Fifth Avenue, where hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers gather to watch the Saint Patrick’s Day Grand Parade! Floats, bagads, all kinds of processions: the event is one of the most eagerly awaited moments each year by thousands of Americans!

In France, many pubs celebrate the event! Some concerts are also organized by various cities and municipalities: a chance to join the festivities without being in Ireland.

Don’t hesitate to find out more: you don’t want to miss this!