It's almost time to break out your favorite green outfit. March is finally hear, which means St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner.
Although it's not an official U.S. holiday, many Irish and non-Irish Americans spend St. Patrick's Day, which falls on March 17 every year, celebrating and binge drinking. So, before you hit your local pub and drink your weight in green beer, here's everything you should know about the holiday. Cheers!
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When is St. Patrick's Day 2023?
St. Patrick’s Day occurs annually on March 17. In 2023, March 17 is a Friday.
Who was Saint Patrick?
Believe it or not, Saint Patrick wasn’t even Irish. He was born in Britain near the end of the fourth century. According to History.com, he was taken prisoner by Irish raiders at just 16 years old and spent six years in captivity, where he became a devout Christian.
Although Patrick is often credited for bringing Christianity to Ireland, his mission was to minister to existing Irish Christians and convert non-Christians.
Patrick became an important historical figure in Ireland because he incorporated traditional Irish culture into his ministry, like merging the sun (an existing Irish symbol) with the traditional cross to create the famed Celtic cross.
Although the Catholic Church never canonized Saint Patrick, he remains a saint through longstanding historical popularity.
Why do we celebrate St. Patrick's Day?
In Ireland, celebrations honoring Saint Patrick have occurred on the anniversary of his death, March 17, since approximately the ninth or 10th century, according to History.com. But in the U.S., St. Paddy's Day celebrations started in the 16th century.
According to The Washington Post, the tale of Saint Patrick likely traveled from Ireland to the Americas in the 16th century through Richard Arthur, an Irish priest in present-day St. Augustine, Florida.
America’s first St. Patrick’s Day celebration was in 1600 in St. Augustine. The first known St. Patrick’s Day parade was held a year later, and the first official New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade was held in 1848, History.com reports.
St. Patrick's Day festivities now occur nationwide, particularly in areas with large groups of Irish immigrants.
What are some major St. Patrick's Day events in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky?
St. Patrick’s Day on the Square
- When: March 11 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Where: Fountain Square (520 Vine St., Downtown).
- What: This event features live music by the Blue Rock Boys, the Drowsy Lads, Mary's Lane and the Prodigals.
- Learn more at myfountainsquare.com/events/st-patricks-day-parade.
Cincinnati St. Patrick’s Day Parade
- When: March 11 at noon.
- Where: Starts at The Banks and ends at Freedom Way and Rosa Parks Street.
- What: An annual St. Patrick's Day parade.
- Learn more at Cincystpatsparade.com.
LepreCon
St. Paddy Shamrock Bar Crawl
- When: March 11 from 2-9 p.m.
- Where: On the Rhine Eatery (100 E. Court St., Downtown).
- What: A St. Patrick's Day bar craw featuring draft beer and Irish whiskey specials at six Over-the-Rhine bars. Tickets start a $15 per person.
- Learn more at Cincinnatistpaddybarcrawl.eventbrite.com.
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