Follow the rainbow, look for a four leaf clover, do the Irish jig, and celebrate by watching a parade!
St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated on March 17 annually. The celebration began from St. Patrick’s death in the fifth century. The Irish have observed this day as a holiday for over 1,000 years now. Irish families traditionally attend church in the morning and celebrate in the afternoon where people dance, drink and feast on the traditional meal of Irish bacon and cabbage.
St. Patrick was the patron saint of Ireland and its national apostle. He was born in Roman Britain but was kidnapped and brought to Ireland as a salve at 16 years old. He later escaped and returned to Ireland to bring Christianity to his people. In the centuries following his death, the mythology of his life became ingrained in the Irish culture. Some believe that he is included in the Holy Trinity using the three leaves of the native Irish clover, the shamrock.
Millions of people around the world celebrate the Irish culture through the tradition of St. Patrick’s Day. This celebration includes parades, Irish music and Irish dancing, Irish foods, the imagination of leprechauns, and everything green and shamrocks. Although some may not consider St. Patrick’s Day to be a true holiday, it is a day to celebrate your Irish heritage, whether you are an adult or child.
If you are looking to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, you can attend the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in downtown Cleveland. Cleveland also hosts runs throughout the city and many bar crawls that adults can join. Wear your green and don’t forget to eat some cabbage and bacon.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all the Irish!
March 17, 2025, Written by: Kaitlyn Keenan, McGregor Marketing and Communication Intern, Graphics by: Kat Eddy, McGregor Marketing and Communication Intern
