DC Saint Patrick's Day Guide

Saint Patrick's Day is celebrated worldwide by Irish people and increasingly by non-Irish people, as well (usually in Australia, North America, and Ireland). Hence the phrase, "Everyone wants to be Irish on St. Patrick's Day." Celebrations are generally themed around the color green and all things Irish; both Christians and non-Christians celebrate the secular version of the holiday by wearing green or orange, eating Irish food and/or green foods, imbibing Irish drink (usually Guinness), and attending parades.

Understanding the Basics

Americans celebrate the holiday by wearing green clothing. Many people, regardless of ethnic background, wear green-coloured clothing and items. Traditionally, those who are caught not wearing green are pinched. Alcohol, more specifically green beer, is the center of many American celebrations.

Some cities paint the traffic stripe of their parade routes green. Chicago and Indianapolis dye their main canals green. Savannah dyes its downtown city fountains green. University of Missouri Rolla - St Pat's Board Alumni paint 12 city blocks kelly green with mops before the annual parade.

Saint Patrick's Day Parade

Whether or not your ancestors were Irish it's fun to celebrate St Patrick's day in Washington DC. Our parade is a fun time for the lads and lasses! The Parade is an Irish community endeavor that was started by the Irish American Club and is now held in cooperation with the National Capital Park Service. The parade starts at 11:30 am until approximately 2:15 pm on Constitution Avenue.

View Saint Patrick's Day Parade

2008 Shamrock Festival

On Saturday, March 15th, the 2008 Shamrock Festival will feature 11 stages and over 50 of the hottest party bands and djs going. The all-day festival is the biggest St. Patty's Festival in the DC area. Jugglers, comedians, and magicians provided entertainment, while vendors sell everything from Irish crafts to beer. Come celebrate shamrocks, leprechauns and enjoy the green bubbly.

View Shamrock Festival Photo Gallery

Saint Patrick's Day Around Town

A cold pint... was the theme of the day. All over the District Irish people and friends celebrate Saint Patrick's Day with a healthy mix of pints of Guiness, dancing, and singing. Many local establishments offer drink specials that will have everyone feeling Irish. Come join the DCpages Staff as we explore the city on a day of drinking fun.

View Saint Patrick's Day Tour of DC

Funny Images & Jokes for Saint Patrick's Day

Saint Patrick's Day just would not be complete without a good laugh!

View Saint Patrick's Day Images & Jokes

Saint DC Patrick's Day Message Boards

Looking for somewhere to party on Saint Patrick's Day? Find out Saint Patrick's Day specials and other great events in the Washington DC area by visiting our Saint Patrick's Day Events Calendar.

History of Saint Patrick's Day

In the recent past, Saint Patrick's Day was celebrated only as a religious holiday. It became a public holiday in 1903, by the Bank Holiday (Ireland) Act 1903, an Act of the United Kingdom Parliament introduced by the Irish MP James O'Mara.[6] O'Mara later introduced the law which required that pubs be closed on 17 March, a provision which was repealed only in the 1970s. The first St. Patrick's Day parade held in the Irish Free State was held in Dublin in 1931 and was reviewed by the then Minister of Defence Desmond Fitzgerald. Although secular celebrations now exist, the holiday remains a religious observance in Ireland, for both the Church of Ireland and Roman Catholic Church.