Are you looking for events to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Augusta? Take a look below to see some great events going on around town for St. Patrick’s Weekend! Updated 03/08/2024.
History Of St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated on March 17th every year. This date is the anniversary of the death of St. Patrick, a patron saint of Ireland. St. Patrick was born in Roman Britain during the fifth century. But he was kidnapped and brought to Ireland as a slave when he was 16. He would later escape but still returned to Ireland.
St. Patrick is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland. The Irish have observed March 17th as a religious holiday for over 1,000 years. St. Patrick was believed to have died on March 17, 461.
After his death, many stories and legends have been passed down throughout generations. When it comes to the most popular story, it was St. Patrick explaining the Holy Trinity using the leaves of a native Irish clover, the shamrock.
The first St. Patrick’s Day wasn’t celebrated until the ninth or tenth century. And despite it being an Irish holiday, the first parade wasn’t in Ireland. In fact, the first St. Patrick’s Day parade was in America in what is now St. Augustine, Florida in 1601.
St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations
Throughout the years, enthusiasm and Irish patriotism blossomed in the United States. This would lead to many “Irish Aid” societies who would host annual parades to celebrate the day. The biggest celebration with an annual parade now is in New York City, with more than 2 million spectators.
According to National Today, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated in more countries in the world than any other national festival. And while some consider it a “holiday,” it’s not officially a holiday in the U.S.
Fun Facts About St. Paddy’s Day
- In 1962, Chicago used 60 pounds of green dye and became the first city to successfully dye its river green for St. Paddy’s Day.
- St. Paddy’s Day is the third most popular drinking day in America.
- There’s folklore that says St. Patrick got rid of snakes on the island nation of Ireland, but this is untrue.
- Four leaf clovers and shamrocks aren’t the same. The green plant St. Patrick used to demonstrate the Holy Trinity had three leaves, and this is commonly called a shamrock. Only a 3 leaf clover can be a shamrock.
- Leprechauns are associated with St. Patrick’s Day. It’s believed the legend behind it comes from the Celtic belief in fairies, tiny men and women who could use magical powers.
Ways To Celebrate
- Wear green! It’s the official color associated with the holiday. And a lot of people believe in pinching those who aren’t wearing green!
- Check out the parade! See below for info on Augusta’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
- Share an Irish Blessing.
- Enjoy corned beef, cabbage, and other St. Patrick’s Day foods.
- Drink green beer.
- Hunt for leprechauns or shamrocks.
- Or attend any of the St. Patrick’s Day events listed below!
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