March 17 — St. Patrick’s Day

Tradition holds that Ireland’s patron saint* St. Patrick died on March 17 in A.D. 493 at the age of 106. The anniversary* of his death is celebrated in Ireland as a national holiday. St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated by people of Irish descent* all over the world as an expression of pride.

The first St. Patrick’s Day parade* took place not in Ireland, but in the United States. Irish soldiers serving in the English military marched through New York City on March 17, 1762. Along with their music, the parade helped the soldiers to reconnect with their Irish roots.

On St. Patrick’s Day, Irish families traditionally attend church in the morning and celebrate in the afternoon. People dance, drink, and feast — on the traditional meal of Irish bacon* and cabbage*.

Last year, close to one million people took part in St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Dublin, which features parades, concerts, outdoor theater productions and fireworks shows.