Saint Patricks Day in Dublin Ireland
Saint Patrick's Day is a religious holiday named after Saint Patrick, the most well-known of the Irish patron saints. The holiday is celebrated internationally on March 17 of each year. Originally a Roman Catholic holiday, Saint Patrick's Day became a special feast day in the 1600s, and slowly evolved over the centuries gradually becoming a secular holiday to celebrate Irish culture.The Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Newfoundland and Labrador and Monsterrat all recognize Saint Patrick's Day as a national public holiday. Irish diaspora across the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, and Australia also celebrate Saint Patrick's Day in a secular form.Green ribbons and shamrocks are work in celebration of Saint Patrick's Day, with the three-leaved shamrock representing the Holy Trinity in Christianity. In Ireland, Saint Patrick's was celebrated as a feast day as early as the 9th century by Irish Europeans. In 1903, Saint Patrick's Day became an official public holiday. Celebrations across Ireland range from feasting, to speeches about Irish culture, to parades, and story-telling of Irish heritage heritage and society. The biggest celebration occurs in Dublin, Ireland.The first Saint Patrick's Day parade was held in Dublin in 1931 by the Minister of Defence Desmond Fitzgerald. Today, Dublin has a massive festival that occurs from March 16th - March 20th. The festival is secular in general, and is the biggest event that occurs in Dublin.There are dozens of events that for families to enjoy during the Saint Patrick's festival. Funfairs is a Dublin carnival and festival favorite. Other family activities include boat races, the famous Saint Patrick's day parade at the City Centre, and The Ark, which is a cultural centre for children to learn about the traditions and history of Saint Patrick's Day located at Eustace Street, Temple Bar.There is great musical celebration in the Dublin City Centre, on March 6th, 17th, and 19th. Some of the 2011 musical talents include Trad Trails, St. Patrick's Festival Céilí, Lifenora Céilí Band, CEOL, The Commitments 20th Anniversary Reunion Concert, and Sharon Shannon. All musical acts are performed in close proximity in or around the Dublin City Centre.On March 18, 2011 an improv show called "Text in the City" will be performed at the Laughter Lounge, as well as the acts of some of the best Irish comics such as Paul Tylak, Ian Coppinger, and Joe Rooney. Sketches from various comedy troupes will also be at the Laughter Lounge on Saturday, March 19th.Dublin is full of great events in which to attend for the celebration of Saint Patrick's Day. The official Dublin Saint Patrick's Day festival website is http://www.stpatricksfestival.ie/ with a complete listing of all events to take place at the 2011 celebration of Saint Patrick's Day. An events calendar is readily available to help you and your family plan a wonderful Saint Patrick's Day in Dublin, Ireland.
