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March 17 is the day to celebrate Irish culture, also famously known as St. Patrick's Day. Originally established as a religious and cultural holiday to celebrate the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick's Day has evolved into a secular day celebrated among other countries with Irish populations. Traced back to the fifth century, following the death of St. Patrick, the day has become identified with various traditions.
Here are some of my suggestions for activities to enjoy this St. Patrick's Day.
Wear green
One of the most popular and recognizable St. Patrick's Day trends is wearing the colour green (it is also my favourite tradition!). Whether it is a classic t-shirt or playful green socks, the day offers the perfect excuse to give your wardrobe a vibrant green makeover. Don't have any green in your wardrobe? No problem! Second-hand shops, dollar stores and thrift stores are excellent places to locate some emerald items.
Decorate with shamrocks
The image of shamrocks and clovers is a popular icon for the day. Decorating with shamrocks is a tradition for St. Patrick's Day. Over time, the shamrock has become a symbol of Ireland. It is often associated with Irish culture and heritage. However, in folklore, it is believed that they are considered a symbol of good luck and are believed to ward off evil spirits. For those celebrating, St. Patrick's Day is a way to bring good fortune. So this year, take some St. Patrick's Day-themed items and shamrocks and decorate your home with some green decorations.
Movie nights & outdoor activities
One great thing to do to celebrate St. Patrick's Day is having an Irish movie night. Watch Irish-themed movies that take place in Ireland. For rom-com genre lovers like myself, I recommend P.S. I Love You (2007) or Leap Year (2010). But for those who want to explore other genres, some other great movie options include The Banshees of Inisherin (2022), Brooklyn (2015), The Commitments (1991) or Angela's Ashes (1999). Just grab some popcorn and enjoy a cozy night while watching great films against the backdrop of Ireland.
If weather permits, consider outdoor activities like taking a nature walk or participating in outdoor games while wearing green attire to embrace the spirit of St. Patrick's Day. One of my preferred outdoor activities is taking a walk at Emily Murphy Park and St. Patrick's Day is a great excuse to do so.
Enjoy Irish food
A great way to celebrate the day is through food and beverages. Some Irish-themed establishments often hold fun St. Patrick's Day celebrations. Here are two locations close to the North Campus:
- O'Byrne's Irish Pub: located on Whyte Avenue, it is a convenient option. With nice decor and friendly staff, it has a great atmosphere. Lots of different seating and varied menu options make it a place welcome for all. Considering it is an Irish pub, it makes it a great option to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.
- Duggan's Boundary Irish Pub: if you are willing to travel farther than Whyte Ave or are at Campus Saint-Jean, Duggan's on 88 Avenue is a great place to go. Its unique interior makes it an enjoyable atmosphere. Duggan's has varied options for vegetarians, vegans and gluten-intolerant individuals. Also, for fries-enthusiasts, they have an entire section of their menu dedicated to fries.
Don't want to spend money at a restaurant? Try making traditional Irish dishes with friends, family or a significant other. Attempt to make Irish food options such as corned beef, Irish stew, shepherd's pie or soda bread. But just remember to raise your glasses and say "cheers" in Irish: "Sláinte!" (pronounced as Slaan-cha).
St. Patrick's Day offers a great opportunity to celebrate Irish culture, heritage and traditions. Whether you choose to wear green attire or enjoy Irish cuisine while watching films set in Ireland, there are endless ways to celebrate. Here's to a splendid St. Patrick's Day! Cheers - or as they say in Ireland, "Sláinte!"