Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.
St. Patrick’s Day
March 17 began as afeast day in observance of St. Patrick, thepatron saint of Ireland. Over time, the holiday evolved into asecular celebration of Irishculture, green beer, and anything with a shamrock on it. Irish immigrants to theUnited States were largely responsible for the transition, and in the 21st century, theholiday was associated more often with pub crawls and parades led by local politicians than with its religious traditions.
- Related Topics:
- St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day looms largest in the American cultural landscape, and there it takes its place alongside the celebrations of other immigrantcommunities. In Ireland, the holiday is celebrated primarily as aconcession to tourists, although that country’s overwhelminglyRoman Catholic population does preserve its religious traditions.