St. Patrick's Day
Ace Ong
History of St. Patricks Day.
- St Patrick's Day became an official holiday in March 17, 1903.
- For millions of people, St. Patrick's Day is just another excuse for a group of friends to go out to bars and drink, but many people also celebrate it in commemoration for Saint Patrick.
- Saint Patrick was an actual person.
St. Patrick's Day in Ireland and UK
Ireland
- In Dublin, the run-up to St Patrick’s Day is an excuse for a four-day festival embracing everything from salsa dancing to céilís (traditional dances).
- Limerick uses St Patrick’s Day to host the International Band Parade and Competition.
- The city’s festival incorporates a food and crafts market, as well as music, street performers and children’s workshops.
UK
- March 17 is just a normal day for many people in England, Scotland and Wales. They go to school or work as normal, and do not hold or attend any special events. Some may go for a drink in their local Irish pub at lunch time, after work or in the evening. However, in some towns and cities, particularly those with large Irish populations, parades and other large scale events are organized.
- A weekend of celebrations is organized in Nottingham.
- A whole week of celebrations is organized around St Patrick's Day in London.
- St Patrick's Day is not a public holiday in England, Wales or Scotland.
Guinness on St. Patrick's Day
- Millions of people go out and drink with friends on St. Patrick's Day and it's a special day, but for any other beer it's just a normal day in the life.
- While 5.5 million pints of Guinness are consumed daily around the world, on St. Patrick's Day that number rises to 13 million.