St. Patrick’s Day History

Saint Patrick brought Christianity to Ireland. He is believed to have died on March 17, sometime in the fifth century (some scholars place his death in 461 A.D.) but the modern origin of the festival now celebrated globally stems from the 17th century. It was designated a religious feast day after the Vatican officially recognised the date in 1631.

Saint Patrick celebrated frequently by drinking far too much of the black stuff, often referred to as Guinness. According to the global drinks firm that owns and distributes the inky drink, more than 13 million pints are consumed worldwide every St. Patrick’s Day. That’s a lot of stout.

While not an official American holiday, St. Patty's Day has been credited with turning it into the party we know it as today.

The Charitable Irish Society of Boston organized the first U.S. celebration of St. Patrick's Day in 1737 with a small, elite dinner to celebrate the Irish saint.

The concept of a parade started in 1766 when Irish Catholic members of the British Army were permitted to march the streets of New York.

So today we are all a little Irish and celebrate thanks to many years of the Irish traditions.