He March 17 It is configured, year after year, as one of the most special days for the Irish. And it is that Saint Patrick’s Day, patron saint of Ireland, fills the streets of the emerald island with the traditional and passionate green of Eire.
Who is Saint Patrick?
Saint Patrick was born into a wealthy Christian family, which had numerous slaves and property, in Great Britain. But at 16 he was kidnaped and taken to Ireland, where he tended sheep for about 6 or 7 years. When he managed to escape, he returned to his homeland, but a divine voice ordered him to return to Ireland to spread the Word of God.
The story of Saint Patrick is therefore very classic and typical in santoral. The work of evangelization in the country was really complicated and he was detained on many occasions by the authorities. Finally, he died and was forgotten.
However, his figure was rediscovered in the United States at the beginning of the 17th century. And it is that San Patricio became the patron saint of corn in a colonist settlement in San Agustín (Florida). What started as a small parade and delicious dishes of corned beef (beef with cabbage and potatoes), became a tradition that has not only conquered Ireland, but half the world.
How is Saint Patrick’s Day celebrated in Spain?
Drinking the famous Guinness beer, wearing green and enjoying an unforgettable evening with friends and family is the ideal plan to enjoy Saint Patrick’s Day in Spain. Furthermore, the cities they take this tradition quite seriously“dying” green some of its monuments (such as the emblematic Puerta de Alcalá in Madrid) or the pubs in some of its neighborhoods (such as the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona).
The pubs are the protagonists of this party in Spain and some cities like MadridBilbao or Valencia have designed their own route through the most emblematic bars in the city, where wearing an emerald color will be very well received.
How is Saint Patrick’s Day celebrated around the world?
We will virtually visit some of the cities in the world that celebrate Saint Patrick the most and best throughout the globe. Will you join us to discover it?
NY
Saint Patrick’s Day is a huge festival in the cosmopolitan city of New York. ago already almost 300 years that, annually, this festivity is celebrated in style. It is, therefore, one of the oldest in the world. More than ten thousand people participate each year in this act, in which citizens, music bands, civil associations related to Ireland (and even firefighters) parade for hours through Manhattan. Little by little, the city is becoming a extension of Ireland for a few hours because even the Empire State Building lights up with a powerful green.
Chicago
What a commitment from Chicago! Yes, even him river water that crosses the city it stains of the official color of St. Patrick. For 61 years, the authorities have used ecological dyes to provide that special and unique tone. The patron of Ireland would be really delighted with the idea, I’m sure!
London
The capital of the United Kingdom also celebrates the most important day of its Irish neighbours. And, after all, the Republic of Ireland has only been independent for a little over a century. Therefore, the relationship between the two countries is very close and the exchange of culture, language, literature and relations is a classic for both territories.
In the case of London, the Saint Patrick’s Day parade starts a day before, the March 16, at 2 in the afternoon. They await you in Piccadilly and in the famous Trafalgar Square! As a main course, a wonderful festival with music, dances, songs and typical food from the emerald island, ideal for all kinds of ages. An enjoyment with the family and for everyone!
sydney
Irish emigration to Australia was a reality a few centuries ago. Therefore, Sydney had to be the icing on the cake of the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the southern hemisphere. A parade at noon It is the central act of the event, with balloons in thousands of shapes. At Hyde Park North we will find stages with local Irish-style bands, food and drink stands and even a children’s area.