Saint Patrick's Day

Saint Patrick's Day History

Saint Patrick's Day commemorates Saint Patrick, one of Ireland's patron saints, and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland. Over the years, however, its significance has broadened to celebrate Irish culture and heritage more generally. Expressions of Irish identity, jubilant festivities, parades, wearing of green attire, and public feasts are notable aspects of the observance.

Saint Patrick's Day's origins date back to the early 17th century, when it was made an official feast day by the Catholic Church. For Canadians, the day holds particular meaning given the extensive Irish diaspora in the country. Irish immigrants began settling in Canada in significant numbers in the early 19th century, shaping the nation’s cultural and societal fabric. This shared heritage makes Saint Patrick's Day a day of unity and pride for many Canadians of Irish descent.

Canada observes Saint Patrick's Day with much enthusiasm. Major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal hold annual parades and various other cultural and musical events celebrating Irish traditions. It is also customary for people to wear green clothes and accessories in solidarity with the Irish celebration. As with the global observation, Saint Patrick's Day in Canada takes place on March 17th, serving as an important beacon of Irish pride and heritage within the multicultural Canadian society.

Facts about Saint Patrick's Day

• Approximately 10 million pints of Irish Guinness stout are consumed on an average day around the world. On St. Patrick's Day, nearly 13 million are consumed.
• St. Patrick used the three-leaf shamrock to explain the Trinity to non-Christians. The leaves stood for the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
• An important symbol associated with Saint Patrick's Day is the shamrock, a species of clover native to Ireland. This plant is said to have been used by Saint Patrick himself to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity.
• Some Canadian cities hold annual St. Patrick's Day parades, the oldest of which takes place in Montreal and has been held each year since 1824. Toronto, Vancouver, and other cities also host parades.

In the News and Trending in Canada for Saint Patrick's Day

Top things to do in Canada for Saint Patrick's Day

• Wear green! In some parts of the world, the custom is to pinch people who aren't wearing the color of shamrocks.
• The heart of any Irish neighborhood is its local pub. Share a couple of green Guinness beers with friends at a local Irish pub or try Magner's (Bulmer's) apple cider as an alternative.
• Join in on the "Greening" of city buildings: Many cities in Canada, including Toronto and Montreal, light up major city buildings with green lights in honor of St. Patrick's Day.
• Read a book to learn more about Saint Patrick:
  St. Patrick of Ireland: A Biography - by Philip Freeman: A detailed account of St. Patrick's life based on historical facts and legends.
  Confession of Saint Patrick by John Skinner: Translations of writings that are genuinely attributed to Saint Patrick.