Every year on March 17, the Irish celebrate St. Patrick's Day. At first it was a religious holiday dedicated to the patron saint of Ireland. Over time, it developed into an international festival dedicated to Irish culture, accompanied by parades, dances, specialties and lots of green.
How the holiday became popular
The holiday gained worldwide distribution thanks to the Americans of Irish descent. In the United States, he was first celebrated at banquets in elite clubs in Boston, Philadelphia, New York, Charleston in South Carolina and Savannah in Georgia.
The first St. Patrick's Day parade took place in New York in 1762, and by the mid-19th century, parades had become fashionable.
Why is the holiday celebrated on March 17
It is believed that Saint Patrick, who preached Christian doctrine, died on this day in the fifth century A. D. The exact date of his death is unknown. According to various sources, he died in 461 or 493. The remains of the saint are in Down Cathedral in the Irish town of Downpatrick, County Down. Saint Patrick is one of the three patrons of Ireland.
Where is St. Patrick's Day
The tradition of celebrating St. Patrick's Day was brought to Canada by Irish immigrants. In Northern Ireland, it is a bank holiday on this day, that is, banks close on that day and most people do not work. In Ireland, St. Patrick's Day is an official day off. In the UK, USA, Australia, Canada and New Zealand, the holiday is celebrated, but not official.
The holiday is an official day off in the provinces of Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador. This is the closest Monday to March 17 in the calendar. On this day, government offices are closed there, but the post office, shops, many schools, businesses do not rest, and transport circulates as on ordinary days.
In Canada, St. Patrick's Day is celebrated not necessarily on March 17, but on the Sunday closest to this day. Major cities such as Toronto and Montreal host major parades. As a result, some major roads may be closed.
The Montreal parade has been held every year since 1824. But the first recorded case of the celebration of St. Patrick's Day was in 1759. Then Irish soldiers serving in the British army established a colony in North America. The colony was called New France, and immediately after its conquest, the Irish celebrated. Parts of Canada host a three-day festival to celebrate St. Patrick's Day and Irish culture. It takes place in the same week as the holiday itself.
For a long time in Ireland, St. Patrick's Day remained a minor religious holiday, until 1970. In the church, the priests mentioned him, and in the Irish families a festive dinner was held on this occasion. But that was all.
