The official celebration of Saint Patrick's Day is on March 17 It is the most important traditional date in Ireland where no one misses this called. Undoubtedly, the most famous and representative party in this country takes place in Dublin, where the party lasts 5 days.
It is so full of joy, music, dance, food and drink, that it has spread to various parts of the world where the Irish have taken their tradition to spread it to the rest and make it popular everywhere. But... how do they celebrate it in Ireland?The official celebration of Saint Patrick's Day is on March 17It is the most important traditional date in Ireland where no one misses this call. Undoubtedly, the most famous and representative party in this country takes place in Dublin, where the party lasts 5 days.
It is so full of joy, music, dance, food and drink, that it has spread to various parts of the world where the Irish have taken their tradition to spread it to the rest and make it popular everywhere. But… how do they celebrate it in Ireland?
St. Patrick's Day: How is it celebrated in Ireland?
Chicago, Boston, New York, Sydney and London are just some of the cities where St. Patrick's Day is celebrated in style. On this date the entire environment is dressed in green as it is the characteristic color of this national commemoration.
The origin of Saint Patrick's Day is due to the fact that the Republic of Ireland arose on that date, at the same time that the death of Saint Patrick, considered the patron saint of this island, was remembered.Have you ever wondered how Saint Patrick's Day is celebrated in Ireland?
one. Everything is green
On Saint Patrick's Day everything (absolutely everything) dresses in green During the four or five days of celebration in Ireland, the decoration, clothing and even food are green. It is the characteristic color and it is not a mere coincidence, it is already a tradition and wherever you go in Ireland during these dates this tone will be present in many and varied ways.
So to be part of the celebration you have to wear at least one green garment. And to be totally in tune with the party, you should dress completely in this color and also add a clover on your lapel. This has a special meaning. It is said that St. Patrick carried a shamrock to explain to the pagans the symbolism of the Holy Trinity, which is why this saint was associated not only with the shamrock but also with the color green.
2. The theme parade
The theme parade in Dublin for St. Patrick's Day is spectacular And no wonder. Although this parade is replicated in many of the cities around the world where this typical Irish celebration takes place, without a doubt the parade that takes place in Dublin is by far the best of all, perhaps because it is completely impregnated with the spirit of the parties and the atmosphere of the people who stop to observe it.
The motto is that each year the St. Patrick's Day parade must surpass the previous one. And they always do. Tour the main streets of Dublin with floats, dancers, music, costumes, music and lots of joy. Each year a different theme is chosen, although the fundamental pillar is always the color green and clover, so these two elements will always be present in this great thematic parade.
3. The typical costume
Another key element is the leprechaun costume This is another custom in the way of celebrating Saint Patrick's Day in Ireland. In addition to wearing green clothes, another way to dress is to dress up as a leprechaun. Not only children like to do it, but also adults and people of all ages wear a leprechaun costume with pride and fun, each one to their liking and shape, but it is undoubtedly the most recurring costume in the celebration.
The reason why in Ireland they like this peculiar clothing during this festival is that leprechauns are considered beings that represent and attract good luck and abundance. One way to honor them and call on that good fortune is to dress up as one of them. So it is common to see on the street and in the pubs people wearing bright colors along with shoes and hats typical of the Irish leprechauns.
4. Céilidh
Céilidh is the traditional dance of IrelandAnd as expected, he could not miss the most important party in this country. The ceilidh is a tradition that has survived to this day even though it goes back many years. Everyone can participate in this dance, you don't need to have a partner, it's more of a community thing where everyone is included and it's a dance the Irish know how to perform very well.
During the celebrations of Saint Patrick's Day, it is common to hear the typical tunes that accompany the céilidh dance with violin, accordion and Irish flute everywhere. Without a doubt, they are unmistakable rhythms that are accompanied by a commanding voice that tells those who dance the steps they must take. It is a tradition where everyone can be included, so while you can, don't miss out on the opportunity to participate in the céilidh.
5. Irish traditional music
Irish traditional music frames St. Patrick's Day celebrationsAlthough in Dublin or any place where this day is celebrated, you can listen to all kinds of current music, the typical rhythms of traditional Irish music are not lacking and are appreciated by locals and strangers as their sound is undoubtedly recognized by everyone in the world. . For this reason, music in the streets cannot be missing during this festival.
The bagpipes, Celtic war drum and Irish flute are just some of the instruments used to perform Irish folk music. Throughout the 5 days that this festival lasts, the groups that perform it are present not only in pubs or stages, but also on tours through the streets, adding even more joy to Saint Patrick's Day.
6. Beer
Irish beer is among the best in the world So this drink cannot be missing during the most important celebrations in this country .Among the most popular Irish beer brands in the world is Guinness, whose factory is precisely located in Dublin and which has already become a tourist attraction. So during St. Patrick's Day, you definitely can't miss a beer from this brand.
Although in recent years the image of green beer has been seen a lot, the truth is that this is not an Irish invention or at least there is no clear record of its origin. It is believed that it was made in the United States during the celebrations for St. Patrick's Day, and quickly became popular. The royal tradition in Ireland was to decorate the glass of beer with a shamrock, but now it has become more of a tourist attraction to be able to drink green beer.
7. Food
No celebration is complete without food During the St. Patrick's Day festivities, food is plentiful.This country has a wide gastronomic offer that comes out in any corner of Ireland for the pleasure of visitors. Potato bread, lamb, cabbage and beef are some of the basic ingredients of many typical dishes in this country.
So to close the celebration of St. Patrick's Day with a flourish, taste a boxty, coddle, bacon and cabbage, colcannon among other typical foods, is something that cannot be missed. Practically in any pub in Dublin or throughout Ireland, you can taste the best dishes of this country obviously accompanied by a beer.