The Best Things to do for St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day is a day of green, fun, and celebration. People all over the world come together to commemorate the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick. Whether you’re fully Irish, a little bit Irish or not Irish at all, the holiday is a great excuse to get together with friends and have a good time. As with other fun holidays like Halloween, The Fourth of July and Cinco De Mayo, there are always a huge amount of fun ways to enjoy the day. If you are looking for things to do on St. Patrick’s Day, here is a list of fun activities, event options and more to get you started.
Attend a Parade
One of the most iconic ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day is to attend a parade. Cities all over the world have their own version of the St. Patrick’s Day parade, and San Francisco is no exception. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival in San Francisco is one of the largest in the country, featuring live music, Irish dancing, and tons of green attire. Other great parades around the world occur in New York City, London, Boston, Chicago, Sydney and more. Parades usually start in the late morning, so it is a great way to start the day before heading out to some Irish Pubs or attending an event.
Wearing Green
Wearing green is a fun way to get in the St. Patrick’s Day spirit. The tradition of wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day is said to have originated in Ireland. In Irish folklore, green is associated with the lush green landscape of the country, as well as with the shamrock, which is a symbol of Ireland and a plant that is green in color. Additionally, the green color is also associated with the Republican movement in Ireland, as the green flag was used as a symbol of Irish nationalism.
The tradition of wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day became more widespread in the 19th century when Irish immigrants brought the custom to the United States. In America, wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day became a way for Irish immigrants to show pride in their heritage and to celebrate their culture. Today, the tradition of wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day is observed around the world, with people of all nationalities sporting green clothing, accessories, and face paint on this festive occasion.
Another reason to wear green is to make sure you don’t get pinched. The tradition of pinching someone who isn’t wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day is a modern one and its origins are not entirely clear, but it is one that some people really enjoy (so watch out). One popular explanation is that wearing green makes you invisible to leprechauns, mischievous fairy creatures who are known for pinching people. Therefore, if you’re not wearing green, the leprechauns can see you and will give you a pinch as punishment. Others believe that the tradition of pinching those not wearing green is simply a playful and lighthearted way of encouraging people to get into the St. Patrick’s Day spirit. Whatever the reason, it’s become a popular and fun part of the holiday for many people.
Eat Irish Food
On St. Patrick’s Day, people like to indulge in traditional Irish cuisine. Eating Irish food on St. Patrick’s Day is a great way to celebrate the holiday and get in touch with Irish culture. Traditional Irish cuisine is hearty, comforting, and delicious, and it often features ingredients like potatoes, cabbage, and lamb. Many Irish foods have a rich history and cultural significance, making them a great way to connect with Ireland’s past and present.
Furthermore, many restaurants and pubs serve special St. Patrick’s Day menus that include classic Irish dishes like corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie, and Irish soda bread. These menus often have a festive and fun twist, incorporating green ingredients or special St. Patrick’s Day cocktails. Eating Irish food on St. Patrick’s Day can also be a way to enjoy a fun night out with friends and family, whether you’re hitting up a traditional Irish pub or trying out a new restaurant that’s offering a special menu for the holiday. Check out the best Irish restaurants in San Francisco to find some amazing spots for traditional Irish fare.
Visit an Irish Pub
Visiting an Irish pub is a must for anyone celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. Irish Pubs are not just places to grab a drink, but they are also a cultural experience that can give you a sense of what Ireland is all about. They are known for their comfortable atmosphere, traditional Irish food, large selection of drinks, live music and crowds of friendly people. San Francisco has plenty of great options, including The Chieftain, The Irish Bank, and The Plough and Stars. Enjoy a pint of Guinness or Harp, and soak up the festive atmosphere.
Drink Green Beer
A popular St. Patrick’s Day tradition is to dye beer green. The tradition of drinking green beer on St. Patrick’s Day is believed to have originated in America in the early 20th century. It most likely started in New York City, when bartenders started adding green food coloring to beer in honor of the holiday. While the exact origins of this tradition are unclear, it is thought to have been influenced by the longstanding tradition of wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day. Green is widely associated with Ireland, shamrocks and St. Patrick’s Day, and is a symbol of the country’s lush landscape, rolling hills, and fields of green.
In addition to the visual appeal of the bright green beverage, the tradition of drinking green beer on St. Patrick’s Day has become a fun and festive way to celebrate the holiday. It is often served at Irish pubs and St. Patrick’s Day parties, and has become a popular way to mark the occasion in countries around the world. If you’re of legal drinking age, you can find green beer at many bars and pubs during the holiday. San Francisco has many local breweries that offer special St. Patrick’s Day brews.
Attend a St. Patrick’s Day Event
Another popular way to celebrate the holiday is to attend a St. Patrick’s Day event. Every city has a huge selection of festivals, parties, pub crawls and more to choose from. Many bars and nightclubs have St. Patrick’s Day themed parties, complete with green decorations and festive music. San Francisco has lots of great events like the San Francisco St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl, The Irish Bank Block Party and the St. Patrick’s Day Festival.
Listen to Irish Music
Irish music is an essential part of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. You can listen to traditional Irish music or modern Irish rock bands like U2 and the Dropkick Murphys. San Francisco has many live music venues that offer St. Patrick’s Day performances.
Go to a Pub Crawl
Pub crawls are a fun way to visit multiple bars and pubs in one night. The Annual LepraCon Pub Crawl is one of the biggest events in San Francisco, attracting over 5,000 people each year to enjoy drink specials, DJs and more at over 20 of the best bars in San Francisco.
St. Patrick’s Day is a holiday that offers something for everyone. Whether you attend a parade, wear green, eat Irish food, drink green beer, attend a party, listen to Irish music, participate in a pub crawl, or all of the above, you’re sure to have a great time. So put on your greenest outfit and get ready to celebrate!
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