17th March… St Patrick’s Day, or the Feast of Saint Patrick, is a traditional Irish festival in honour of Ireland’s patron saint, St Patrick. The three-leaved shamrock, or clover, is associated with him and according to legend, St Patrick used the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity to Irish pagans.
Celebrations take place over several days, with the first St Patrick’s Festival held on 17th March 1996 and the following year it became a 3-day event; by 2000 it was a 4-day event, and by 2006 the Festival became a 5-day event! Festivities include concerns, outdoor theatre performances, fireworks and more; and this year’s festivities taking place in London are no exception.
The traditional parade, hosted by London every year, is taking place on 16th March and among the marching bands, floats, street theatre, sports clubs and dance groups, look out for the 5 metre tall firebird breathing a fountain of sparks, and a 10 metre high St Patrick! All 32 Irish counties are represented in the Parade dressed in their traditional county colours.
In Trafalgar Square will be the free St Patrick’s Day Festival and this year’s theme is ‘World of Dance’. As well as experiencing the great Irish culture including traditional music, comedy, film and produce, such as cheese, black pudding and salmon, from the Emerald Isle, it’s set to be a fantastic dance fest with headliners, Riverdance, the world-famous Irish dance troupe back in London before they start their 20th anniversary tour, taking centre stage. Other performances include the cast members of The Commitments musical, Irish folk group Kila, stand-up comedians Jarlath Regan and Aisling Bea, plus the London Irish Comedy Festival Marquee!
Of course, no St Patrick’s Day celebrations would be the same without lots of parties and merriment! Across London, many pubs, bars and restaurants will be open and adorned with green, serving traditional Irish drinks and dishes. And don’t forget to visit the Irish Food Market!