St Patrick’s day is celebrated globally, but why exactly do we celebrate it? St Patrick was the foremost patron saint of Ireland. He is said to have died on March 17 in or around the year 493, hence why the celebrations are held on this day every year! Many immigrants from Ireland fled to other parts of the world, including Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States, in the 19th and 20th centuries. Many Irish customs, including the St Patrick’s Day celebrations, became quite popular in these countries. Here’s some of the St Patrick’s Day festivities you can see in some our destinations!
New York, America
Whether you hail from the Emerald Isle is of no consequence—on St. Patrick’s Day, everyone can lay claim to being at least a little bit Irish (even the City’s bagels and beer, which go green for the occasion). March your way over to Rockaway Beach for a pre-St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The Annual Parade kicks off at 1pm (130th St and Newport Ave) with grand marshals including congressman and respected community members. Early birds can attend a mass for peace and justice at St. Francis de Sales church (129th St and Rockaway Beach Blvd) at 10:30am. The parade itself lays claim to be the oldest (it was first held in 1762) and largest of its kind in the world. So, clad yourself in kelly green and watch bagpipers, marching bands and assorted revellers from near and far.
Quebec, Canada
For centuries, Quebecers and Irish people have had strong ties with welcoming hundreds of thousands of Irish immigrants to Quebec in the early and mid-nineteenth century, particularly during the tragic Great Irish Famine. between 1845 and 1851. You’ll get to see Irish greyhounds, Celtic dance troupes, leprechauns, historical entertainers, dance schools, professional circus performers, Gaelic football clubs, and a fine portrayal of Irish families participating in the event year after year. In total, more than 50 groups of participants join the parade…it’s not one to miss!
Auckland, New Zealand
As a result of famine and poverty, several thousand Irish people migrated to New Zealand, where today approximately 18% of the population can claim Irish heritage. The Irish people mainly settled in the West Coast, Canterbury and Auckland… where there is a huge St Patrick’s Day parade! This year the Hugh Green Group St Patrick’s Parade returns to Ponsonby Road on Saturday, March 17. Yes, that’s right – on St Patrick’s Day itself! See a huge variety of Irish costumes, floats, bands, faerie folk, Leprechauns, Clydesdale horses and even St Patrick himself. The parade begins at midday at the corner of Ponsonby Terrace and Ponsonby Rd and heads towards Western Park.
Sydney, Australia
Image by Mike Young of Wikki Commons - Sydney
Australia and Ireland share a historical connection and remained part of the British Empire until their respective independence. Over 300,000 Irish settlers migrated to Australia to escape poverty in their homeland and over 2 million Australian citizens claim Irish ancestry. The Sydney celebration traditionally takes place on a Sunday and this year will be no different with the festivities taking place in the Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park on Sunday 18th March.
There will be a variety of music on the big stage from 12pm, a children's parade and play area with bouncing castles and face painting galore, Irish dancers and marching bands displaying the very best in local talent. With lots of amazing food and drink stalls to keep attendees refreshed during the day. Make plans to get there early, grab a great vantage point and enjoy the best celebration in the country.
On the night of St Patrick’s Day, watch as the iconic Sydney Opera House turns green. This is a welcomed return for the Sydney Opera House, having last been lit up in 2014.
Now in its ninth year, Sydney joins a host of other international cities to take part in the 'Global Greening'. The iconic Sydney Opera House will join other Australian sites getting in on the action, including the Big Kangaroo Border Village, Hyde Park Barracks, Sydney Town Hall, The Bell Tower, Council House and Elizabeth Quay in Perth and QPAC in Brisbane.
If you would like to explore Saint Patrick's Day in these wonderful destinations in 2019 or would like know what we offer, contact our experts today on 0161 888 5632 for a free, no obligation quote.
