Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland is celebrated throughout the world on the 17th of March. But, just who was Saint Patrick?

St Patrick, the patron St of Ireland was born in the 4th century, He was kidnapped and enslaved by Irish raiders when he was about 16. Patrick was brought to Ireland where he lived a life as a shepherd for 6 years. He escaped to Britain and became a priest. He returned to Ireland as a missionary to spread the Christian teaching. He used the shamrock, which is now the symbol of Ireland, to explain the Christian concept of the holy trinity – that God is at once, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It was alleged that he died on March 17th and the date was made an official Christian feast day in the early seventeenth century.

The celebration of St Patrick’s day in USA began with Irish soldiers who served in the British army. As more Irish fled to the US during the famine, celebrating St. Patrick’s day helped them connect with their Irish roots and with one another, it became a display of solidarity and political strength. While not a legal holiday in most of the United States, it is widely recognized and celebrated throughout the country. The first parade in New York City was held in 1766.

While St Patrick’s day has been observed as a religious holiday to remember Saint Patrick and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland, it has evolved to become a celebration of Irish heritage. St Patrick’s day is now a festival which aims to show the talents and achievements of Irish people on the national and world stages. Among other celebrations the four day festival includes concerts, outdoor theatre performances, an Irish craft beer and food market, there is also the greening the city where many iconic buildings Go Green, and of course the parade held on St Patrick’s Day.