St Patricks Day
St. Patrick’s Day is a cultural and religious celebration that honours the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick. The day is widely celebrated in Ireland and by Irish communities around the world. It is a day to celebrate Irish heritage and culture and is known for its festivities, parades, and green-themed events.
St Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland and is celebrated for bringing Christianity to the country.
He is thought to have grown up in Britain, during Roman times, but was kidnapped and taken to Ireland as a slave.
Once he was free again, he trained as a priest and went back to Ireland to convert thousands of people to Christianity.
The dates of Patrick’s life cannot be fixed with certainty, but sometime after 431 AD, Patrick was appointed as successor to St Palladius, the first bishop of Ireland.
Saint Patrick’s Day started as a religious feast to celebrate the work of Saint Patrick, but it has grown to be an international festival celebrating all things Irish.
People take part in parades and dancing, eat Irish food, and enjoy huge fireworks displays.
The day is also famous around the world for people wearing shamrocks, dressing up as bearded Irish fairies called leprechauns, and wearing all green.
Dublin’s famous St Patrick’s Parade often features bands from around the world. This year Hollywood actor John C Reilly who voices Ralph in Wreck-It Ralph is due to take part in Thursday’s parade.