St. Patrick’s Day – History, Traditions, and facts

Why do people wear green on St. Patrick’s Day?

Green is practically the “official color” of St. Patrick’s Day, but it wasn’t always that way. In fact, the first symbols associated with the saint were linked to the color blue. Over time, the color changed to green for several reasons: it represents Ireland (the “Emerald Isle”), it is connected to nature and the shamrock, and it became associated with movements focused on affirming Irish identity.

There is also a popular curiosity: according to tradition, wearing green makes people “invisible” to mischievous leprechauns, who are said to pinch anyone not wearing it. Although today it’s more of a playful custom than a real belief, it became the perfect excuse for everyone to dress in green and get into the festive spirit.

What happened on March 17?

March 17 marks the death of St. Patrick, considered the principal patron saint of Ireland. It’s not the anniversary of a war or a political event, but the day that commemorates his life and his role as a religious and historical figure. Over time, this date evolved from a purely religious celebration into a festive day filled with parades, music, traditional food, and cultural activities.

It’s a date that encapsulates centuries of Irish tradition: it honors the saint’s legacy, celebrates the country’s identity, and has become one of the most recognized cultural festivals worldwide.

Who invented St. Patrick’s Day?

Although the celebration honors a real historical saint, St. Patrick’s Day as a festivity doesn’t have one exact “inventor.” The celebration began within the Catholic Church, which designated March 17 as the day to honor St. Patrick’s memory. However, the holiday as we know it today, with parades, music, and public celebrations, was created outside of Ireland.

Irish immigrants in the United States were the ones who transformed the date into a large public event. Starting in the 18th century, they organized parades and community gatherings to keep their traditions alive in their new country. Over time, these celebrations became so popular that they ended up being brought back to Ireland and eventually spread worldwide.

In short: the Church established the feast day, but the modern version of St. Patrick’s Day was created by the Irish themselves… while living far from home.

The first St. Patrick’s Day parade was in… the U.S.

Although many imagine the first St. Patrick’s Day parade taking place on the streets of Dublin, the truth is that this tradition began across the ocean. The first documented parade was held in 1601 in what is now St. Augustine, Florida, organized by a community of Irish immigrants and a Spanish priest of Irish descent.

Over time, cities with large Irish populations in the United States, such as Boston and New York, turned these parades into massive events filled with marching bands, uniforms, bagpipes, and thousands of people dressed in green. Ireland adopted the tradition much later, inspired by the festive American style. So yes: the tradition of “bringing green to the streets” began in the U.S., not in Ireland.

The popularity of shamrocks

The three-leaf clover, known as the shamrock, is one of the most recognizable symbols of St. Patrick’s Day. Its connection to the saint comes from a well-known Irish story: according to tradition, St. Patrick used the shamrock to explain the idea of the Holy Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, during his missionary work on the island.

Over the centuries, the shamrock ceased to be just a religious symbol and became a national emblem. It represents good luck, Irish identity, and the country’s connection to nature. Today you’ll see it on T-shirts, flags, makeup, decorations, and just about anything related to the celebration. It’s simple, iconic, and unmistakably Irish, so it became incredibly popular.

Symbols and legends of St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day is full of symbols and characters that blend history, tradition, and a touch of fantasy. Unlike many cultural celebrations, it combines religious elements with Celtic myths passed down for centuries.

• The shamrock: associated with St. Patrick and also with good luck.

• The color green: symbolizes Ireland, its landscapes, and Irish nationalist spirit.

• Leprechauns: Celtic folklore creatures known for being mischievous, guarding pots of gold, and, according to modern folklore, pinching those who don’t wear green.

• The snake: the famous legend claims that St. Patrick banished all snakes from Ireland. Although it isn’t historically true (Ireland never had native snakes), the myth survives as a metaphor for his evangelizing work.

These legends and symbols make the celebration much more than parades and beer: it’s a blend of history, mythology, and Irish tradition that has crossed borders and become part of global popular culture.

Activities and traditions of St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day is one of the most vibrant celebrations of the year, and its activities combine history, music, and plenty of energy. As mentioned earlier, although the first parade took place in the United States, Ireland has now turned it into a huge cultural spectacle. Cities fill with floats, marching bands, and thousands of people dressed in green.

Another very popular tradition is Irish pub music sessions, known as trad sessions, where the sounds of the fiddle, the bodhrán, and the Irish flute fill the air. Traditional dancing, street performances, green lighting on buildings, and family activities in parks and squares are also common.

Many Irish people also take the opportunity to wear classic symbols like the shamrock or outfits inspired by Celtic legends and mythology, something we already mentioned when talking about shamrocks and other icons of the festival.

Traditional food for St. Patrick’s Day

While St. Patrick’s Day is famous for its music and festive atmosphere, it’s also the perfect time to try traditional Irish dishes. The cuisine is deeply tied to the country’s history, and as noted earlier, Ireland often uses this day to celebrate its cultural heritage.

Some of the most traditional dishes include:

• Irish stew: a lamb or beef stew with potatoes, carrots, and onions, perfect for Ireland’s chilly weather.

• Soda bread: a traditional quick bread made without yeast.

• Colcannon: a comforting side dish made from mashed potatoes, kale or cabbage, and butter.

• Sunday roast: although more typical on Sundays, it is also common during this period. It usually includes roasted meat (beef, pork, or chicken), potatoes, vegetables, and gravy.

Many restaurants and pubs prepare special menus that day, often with modern takes on classic recipes. Food, just like music and parades, is an essential part of the identity celebrated every March 17.

Most popular drinks during this day

St. Patrick’s Day is also known for its iconic drinks, and Irish culture once again takes center stage. As mentioned earlier in the section on symbols and traditions, this day blends history, myth, and celebration, and that includes what people drink.

The most common drinks are:

• Beer (especially stout): Guinness remains the favorite. The famous “green beer” is seen more in celebrations outside Ireland than on the island itself.

• Irish Hot Whiskey: a warm traditional drink made with whiskey, lemon, cloves, and sugar. Though more common in winter, many visitors seek it out on St. Patrick’s Day for its flavor and Irish authenticity.

• Irish Coffee: strong coffee with whiskey, sugar, and cream, a classic warm option.

• Irish cider: such as Bulmers (Magners), popular among young people and tourists.

Although drinks are part of the celebration, the main goal is to accompany the music, food, and festive atmosphere. In Ireland, the spirit of the day continues to be culture and tradition rather than excess.

Conclusion

If you plan to study in Ireland or you are already a student, you can’t miss the chance to experience St. Patrick’s Day. It’s an opportunity to connect with the history and cultural traditions this country has to offer.