Today Irish immigrants, their descendants, and many Green Isle enthusiasts around the world celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. But not in
Ireland: Locals celebrated the traditional religious holiday on Saturday the 15th
this year to avoid a conflict with the Christian Holy Week that began yesterday on Palm
Sunday. Did you know that the first St.Patrick’s Day parade was held in New York City on March 17,
1762? Can you guess which countries (and smaller administrative units)
officially observe the holiday?

For my own part, I get in the spirit by wearing my favorite
color green and pass off my Scottish, freckled pale skin and bright red hair as
Irish. But since everyone with the
desire can become an honorary Irishman–or woman–today, why not take a few moments
to learn more about St. Patrick’s Day festivities around the world, the history
of the holiday, and the country of Ireland?

Here are a few resources to get you started:

1. Official St. Patrick’s Day Festival (Dublin, Ireland) website

2. History.com St. Patrick’s Day profile

3. St.-Patrick’s-Day.com list of St. Patrick’s Day parades and events around the world

4. Wikipedia.org St. Patrick’s Day article

Sarah for My Wonderful World