St. Patrick’s Day
Held annually on March 17, St. Patrick’s Day observes the death of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. The holiday has evolved into a celebration of Irish culture with parades, special foods, music, dancing, drinking and a whole lot of green.
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Learn the history of St. Patrick’s Day, from the life of Saint Patrick to Irish traditions, parades and celebrations around the world.
St. Patrick wasn’t Irish, but he found his faith while being held as prisoner by a group of Irish raiders.
St. Patrick may be the patron saint of Ireland, but many St. Patrick’s Day traditions were born in the United States.
Before you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, get your facts straight by exploring common misconceptions about the holiday.
3 Surprising Facts About St. Patrick’s Day
Saint Patrick
Was St. Patrick Irish?
St. Patrick converted the Irish to Christianity, but there's more to know about Ireland's patron saint—like the fact that he wasn't Irish.
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The British retreated from Boston on March 17, 1776, in the first major Patriot victory of the American Revolution.
Dressing in green on St. Patrick’s Day traces back to leprechaun legends and a 17th century sign of Irish defiance.
Who was the real St. Patrick? Was that legend about the snakes true? And why did so many St. Patrick's Day traditions start in America?
Before you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, get your facts straight by exploring common misconceptions about the holiday.
The patron saint of Ireland first arrived in Ireland in the hold of a slave ship.
St. Patrick may be the patron saint of Ireland, but many St. Patrick’s Day traditions were born in the United States.
Learn about the first, earliest, biggest and most famous St. Patrick's Day parades around the world, in cities including New York, Boston, Chicago and Dublin.
The holiday was traditionally a more solemn occasion on the Emerald Isle—until Americans got involved.
Learn the history of St. Patrick’s Day, from the life of Saint Patrick to Irish traditions, parades and celebrations around the world.
St. Patrick’s Day is known for parades, shamrocks and all things Irish. Find out the origins of the holiday’s traditions, food and music.
St. Patrick wasn’t Irish, but he found his faith while being held as prisoner by a group of Irish raiders.
