History of Saint Patrick’s Day
Saint Patrick’s Day is a cultural and religious celebration held on 17 March, the traditional death date of Saint Patrick (c. AD 385–461), the foremost patron saint of Ireland.
Saint Patrick’s Day was made an official Christian feast day in the early 17th century and is observed by the Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and the Lutheran Church. The day commemorates Saint Patrick and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland, and celebrates the heritage and culture of the Irish in general. Celebrations generally involve public parades and festivals, cèilidhs, and the wearing of green attire or shamrocks. Christians who belong to liturgical denominations also attend church services and historically the Lenten restrictions on eating and drinking alcohol were lifted for the day, which has encouraged and propagated the holiday’s tradition of alcohol consumption.
Top 10 U.S. Cities to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day(according to US News and World Report)
1. Boston, MA
2. Savannah, GA
3. New London, Wisconsin
4. Chicago
5. Hot Springs, Arkansas
6. North Kansas City, Missouri
7. New York City
8. O’Neill, Nebraska
9. Enterprise, Alabama
10. New Orleans