Introduction
Every year on March 17, millions of people celebrate St. Patrick's Day worldwide.
In both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, it is a national holiday honouring Irish history and culture.
Ireland's patron saint is St. Patrick.
Who was St Patrick?
Ireland honours St. Patrick as its patron saint and thanks him for introducing Christianity to the nation.
It is believed that he was born and raised in Britain during the Roman era, but that he was abducted and sold into slavery in Ireland.
After regaining his freedom, he studied to become a priest and returned to Ireland where he preached Christianity to thousands of people.
Although Patrick's exact life dates are unknown, he was chosen to succeed St. Palladius, the first bishop of Ireland, at some point after 431 AD.
Armagh became the headquarters for Patrick. According to tradition, he was Ireland's first primate and the first bishop of Armagh.
He is frequently seen clutching a shamrock, which is a type of clover that is traditionally linked with him.
Did Saint Patrick drive the snakes out of Ireland?
Though it's improbable that there were ever any snakes in Ireland, this is one of the well-known stories surrounding St. Patrick. Therefore, it's likely not true.
The snake could allude to a serpent, which is a representation of evil, and the driving out could allude to Patrick's quest to purge pagan, or non-Christian, religious influence from Ireland.
What happens on Saint Patrick's Day?
Originally a religious holiday honouring Saint Patrick's life and works, Saint Patrick's Day has developed into a global celebration of all things Irish.
People enjoy massive firework displays, Irish cuisine, parades, and dancing.
Around the world, the day is also well-known for the shamrocks, green attire and leprechaun costumes—bearded Irish fairies.
Bands from all over the world frequently participate in Dublin's renowned St Patrick's Day Parade.
Parades
A few marches, including a large one in London on March 12, have already taken place.
The St. Patrick's Day Festival was observed in the London neighbourhood with a parade that featured performances from Irish dancing schools, sports teams, and marching bands.
It was expected that over fifty thousand people attended to enjoy Irish music, cuisine, and dancing.
Happy Saint Patrick Day!
That was from last year.
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