Saint Patrick’s Day is observed every year on the 17th of March in Northern Ireland, where it’s also revered as the Feast of Saint Patrick.
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ToggleSaint Patrick’s Day 2024, 2025 and 2026
Year | Date | Day | Holiday | Countries |
---|---|---|---|---|
2024 | 17 Mar | Sun | Saint Patrick’s Day | Northern Ireland |
18 Mar | Mon | Saint Patrick’s Day Holiday | Northern Ireland | |
2025 | 17 Mar | Mon | Saint Patrick’s Day | Northern Ireland |
2026 | 17 Mar | Tue | Saint Patrick’s Day | Northern Ireland |
Please scroll down to end of page for previous years’ dates. |
St. Patrick’s Day, celebrated on March 17th, is a festivity rich in history and cultural significance, marking the death of St. Patrick, Ireland’s most celebrated patron saint.
Known for introducing Christianity to Ireland, St. Patrick’s legacy is filled with legends, including his reputed use of the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity, making the shamrock a lasting symbol of this day.
Originally a religious occasion in Ireland, observed for over 1,500 years, St. Patrick’s Day has transformed into a global celebration of Irish culture and heritage.
Initially a day of prayer and reflection, it now encompasses a broad spectrum of festivities, from parades and wearing green to enjoying traditional Irish meals and music.
This transformation allows people worldwide, not just those of Irish descent, to immerse themselves in and celebrate Irish traditions.
Beyond its origins, St. Patrick’s Day has found a home in countries far from Ireland’s shores, celebrated with enthusiasm in places like the United States, Canada, Australia, and even in more unexpected locations such as Japan and Russia.
In the U.S., cities like Chicago famously dye their rivers green, while parades and cultural events fill the streets in other parts of the world, showcasing the global appeal and joyous spirit of this Irish holiday.
Symbols like the shamrock continue to play a central role in the day’s observances, embodying the spiritual and natural world.
Wearing green, participating in parades, attending church services, and savoring Irish cuisine and beverages are customary ways people engage with the holiday, blending religious reverence with cultural celebration.
The impact of St. Patrick’s Day extends beyond a single day of festivity; it serves as a vibrant expression of Irish identity and pride.
It also acts as a catalyst for tourism and cultural exchange, promoting Ireland’s rich history and traditions across the globe.
Through St. Patrick’s Day, the cultural tapestry of Ireland is celebrated, and its message of faith, unity, and global brotherhood is shared with the world, making it more than just a day on the calendar but a globally recognised symbol of cultural heritage and community celebration.
Previous Years
Year | Date | Day | Holiday | Countries |
---|---|---|---|---|
2023 | 17 Mar | Fri | Saint Patrick’s Day | Northern Ireland |
2022 | 17 Mar | Thu | Saint Patrick’s Day | Northern Ireland |
2021 | 17 Mar | Wed | Saint Patrick’s Day | Northern Ireland |
2020 | 17 Mar | Tue | Saint Patrick’s Day | Northern Ireland |
2019 | 17 Mar | Sun | Saint Patrick’s Day | Northern Ireland |
18 Mar | Mon | Saint Patrick’s Day Holiday | Northern Ireland | |
2018 | 17 Mar | Sat | Saint Patrick’s Day | Northern Ireland |
19 Mar | Mon | Saint Patrick’s Day Holiday | Northern Ireland | |
2017 | 17 Mar | Fri | Saint Patrick’s Day | Northern Ireland |
FAQs for St Patrick's Day
St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated on March 17th each year. It is the feast day of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.
St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated to honor St. Patrick and to commemorate the arrival of Christianity in Ireland. It has also become a celebration of Irish culture and heritage.
Wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day is a tradition that originated from Ireland. It is believed that wearing green makes you invisible to leprechauns, mischievous mythical creatures. It has also become a way to show Irish pride and solidarity.
Some traditional symbols associated with St. Patrick’s Day include the shamrock, which is believed to have been used by St. Patrick to explain the Holy Trinity, as well as leprechauns, pots of gold, and rainbows.
Yes, parades are a common feature of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in many cities around the world. The most famous parade is held in New York City, but there are also parades in other places with significant Irish populations, such as Chicago, Boston, and Dublin.
Traditional foods and drinks associated with St. Patrick’s Day include corned beef and cabbage, Irish soda bread, shepherd’s pie, Guinness beer, and Irish whiskey.
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