St. Patrick's Day

Historical Background
St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, began as the feast day of Ireland’s patron saint, Patrick, who is credited with bringing Christianity to the island. By his death in 461, he had established schools, churches and monasteries, according to Britannica. In Ireland, this day is celebrated with religious services and feasts. As Irish immigrants settled in the United States, the holiday evolved into a more secular celebration. Cities with large numbers of Irish immigrants, like Boston, which held the first St. Patrick’s Day parade in 1737, started to throw extensive and elaborate celebrations. Today, the holiday is widely celebrated across the country.

Traditional Celebrations
In my family, St. Patrick’s Day means gathering for breakfast at Hooley House, where we spend hours watching a local Irish dance school perform and listening to live bagpipes and drums. Later, we meet again at my grandmother’s house for corned beef and cabbage, ending the night together in the living room with Irish music playing. The holiday has always been a point of pride for us and a way to celebrate our Irish heritage.

Fake Patty’s Day in Kent
At Kent State, the celebration takes on a different form. Students observe “Fake Patty’s,” an unofficial tradition of going out the weekend before or after March 17.

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