Amber WalkerParty time? Every March 17th, the world gets hit with a serious case of the greens! It’s St. Patrick’s Day, a day dedicated to all things Irish, and let’s be honest, a pretty fun excuse for a party.
But before you down a pint of Guinness , let’s dig into the real story behind the green madness.
Who is This Patrick Guy, Anyway?
St. Patrick wasn’t actually Irish! Born in Roman Britain, he was kidnapped by Irish raiders at 16 and taken to Ireland as a slave. Years later, he escaped and eventually became a priest, returning to Ireland to spread Christianity. Shamrocks, those little three-leaf clovers, are said to have been used by St. Patrick to explain the Holy Trinity.
Forget the Snake Banishment! Here’s the Real Story
There’s a popular myth that St. Patrick chased all the snakes out of Ireland. But it’s likely more about the decline of pagan beliefs in Ireland with the rise of Christianity. Snakes were often seen as symbols of these old gods, so saying St. Patrick banished them is a metaphorical way of saying he drove out the old religion.
Party Time! Parades, Pubs, and the Greener the Better!
St. Patrick’s Day is all about celebrating Irish culture, and what better way to do that than with a massive party?
Parades are a huge part of the fun. Floats decked out in shamrocks and leprechaun hats weave through cities, with marching bands playing lively tunes. People wear every shade of green imaginable – shirts, hats, scarves, you name it! Be warned, though, the competition for the most outlandish green outfit can get fierce in places like Liverpool!
The parties really are the best in pubs. Get ready for a sea of smiling faces, clinking glasses, and the unmistakable sound of Irish folk music. A pint of Guinness, a dark and creamy Irish stout, is practically mandatory. If you’re feeling adventurous, try some Irish whiskey – it’s smoother than you might think or if you are into shots order a baby Guinness. A portion of coffee liqueur (e.g. Kahlúa or Tia Maria) is topped by a layer of Irish cream (e.g., Baileys or Coole Swan) which is poured over the back of a spoon so that it sits on the coffee liqueur and it looks like , you guessed it, a baby Guinness!
We spoke to Alex who was born in Belfast but now lives in England.
“St Paddys day is the best day of the year”
He described the day as “nothing but a crazy celebration”
Alex is very proud of his irish blood and is something he loves to show every March 17th.
A Global Celebration of Green
St. Patrick’s Day isn’t just for the Irish. It’s a global phenomenon! From massive parades in New York and Chicago to smaller celebrations in villages around the world, people of all backgrounds come together to embrace Irish culture. Even in Spain people still have a good party. The irish spirit is truly everywhere! Click here to find out where is great to spend your ‘paddys’ day in Barcelona
This year I spent St. Patricks day in Liverpool! Liverpool takes St. Patrick’s Day to a whole new level. The city boasts the eighth annual St. Patrick’s Day parade, where you can catch local groups and performers decked out in green as they snake their way through the city center. Turns out, Liverpool and Ireland have a long history of being allies. Back in the 1800s, a terrible potato famine hit Ireland, and folks were looking for a better life. Liverpool, with its booming port just a hop, skip, and a ferry ride away, became a natural destination. Millions of Irish folks came through Liverpool, and many decided to stay, building a strong Irish community in the city. This is why Liverpool feels like a second home for many Irish people, and why St. Patrick’s Day here is an extra-special celebration!
View this post on Instagram
Check out these pictures I took from a sold out event in Liverpool!
Liverpool has you covered! From Legendary pubs like Punch Tarmey’s and The One O’Clock Gun host all-weekend events with live music, delicious food, and of course, plenty of Guinness to places like 24 kitchen street hosting day raves with talented DJs.
So, whether you have a drop of Irish blood in you or not, throw on some green and join the party! St. Patrick’s Day, especially in a city like Liverpool, is a reminder that celebrating different cultures is a blast. It’s a day filled with good food, good music, and good company – what more could you ask for?
