St. Patrick's Day honors St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. It is a public holiday in Newfoundland and Labrador, reflecting the province's strong Irish heritage. While it is not a public holiday in other provinces, it is widely recognized with parades, cultural events and festivities, particularly in cities with large Irish communities.

Table of Contents

1. When is St. Patrick's Day?
2. The History of St. Patrick's Day?
3. What Do People Do on This Day?
4. More about St. Patrick

When is St. Patrick's Day?

St. Patrick's Day is observed on the nearest Monday to March 17 in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.

The following is the list of St. Patrick's Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of St. Patrick's Day?

Over the centuries, St. Patrick's Day has evolved from a solemn religious observance to a global celebration of Irish culture, marked by parades, music and festivities.

St. Patrick's Day began as a religious feast day in Ireland in the early 17th century, established by the Catholic Church. The day was marked by attending Mass and a break from Lenten restrictions, allowing celebrants to eat and drink.

While originally religious, it has become a national celebration of Irish culture and heritage, featuring parades, festivals and traditional music.

Irish immigrants brought St. Patrick's Day traditions to countries like the United States, Canada and Australia. It gained popularity as a celebration of Irish identity and pride, especially among immigrant communities.

The first recorded St. Patrick's Day parade took place in New York City in 1762, organized by Irish soldiers serving in the British Army. Today, cities worldwide, including Dublin, Montreal, Chicago and Sydney, host elaborate parades and events.

Irish immigration to Canada began in the 17th century, with a significant increase during the 19th century. Many Irish settlers arrived during the Great Irish Famine (1845–1852), seeking refuge and new opportunities.

Irish immigrants established strong communities, particularly in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Quebec, and Ontario. They brought their traditions, including the celebration of St. Patrick's Day, to Canada. Montreal's St. Patrick's Day Parade is one of the largest and longest-running in North America, dating back to 1824.

Parades and celebrations spread to cities like Toronto, Ottawa and Halifax, where Irish communities were prominent. In Newfoundland and Labrador, St. Patrick's Day became a public holiday, reflecting the province's deep Irish roots.

What Do People Do on This Day?

On St. Patrick's Day in Canada, people celebrate Irish culture and heritage through a variety of activities.

Cities like Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver host elaborate St. Patrick's Day parades featuring: colorful floats, bagpipers and Irish dancers and performers in traditional Irish attire.

Smaller parades and community events are also held in cities and towns across the country.

Wearing green clothing, hats or accessories is a popular tradition, symbolizing Irish heritage and the "Emerald Isle". Many also wear shamrocks, a nod to St. Patrick's use of the three-leafed plant to explain the Holy Trinity.

Traditional Irish music featuring fiddles, flutes and Irish drums is performed at festivals and concerts. Irish dance performances, including step dancing and jigging are also popular entertainment.

Many communities organize family-friendly activities, including crafts for children, face painting, and games and storytelling about Irish folklore.

Museums and libraries may host exhibitions, storytelling sessions or language workshops focused on Irish history and heritage. Religious services or educational programs highlight St. Patrick's life and his contributions to Irish Christianity.

More about St. Patrick

St. Patrick (circa 385–461 CE) is the patron saint of Ireland, celebrated for his missionary work in spreading Christianity throughout Ireland during the 5th century. His life and legacy are commemorated annually on St. Patrick's Day, March 17, the date of his death.

St. Patrick was born in Roman Britain, likely in what is now Wales or Scotland, to a Christian family of Roman-British descent. At the age of 16, he was kidnapped by Irish raiders and sold into slavery in Ireland. He spent six years as a herdsman, during which he turned to faith for solace and strength.

St. Patrick escaped slavery after hearing a divine message in a dream, guiding him to flee to the coast where he found a ship back to Britain. After returning home, he felt called to become a missionary and bring Christianity to Ireland. He studied religious doctrine in France and was later ordained as a bishop.

Patrick returned to Ireland as a missionary, determined to convert the Irish people to Christianity. He used Irish symbols and traditions to explain Christian concepts, and emphasized inclusivity, incorporating Irish culture into Christian practices.

St. Patrick is credited with converting much of Ireland to Christianity and establishing churches, schools and monasteries.

St. Patrick died on March 17, around 461 CE, in Saul, Ireland, where he had built his first church. March 17 was established as a feast day in his honor by the Catholic Church, later evolving into a broader celebration of Irish heritage.

St. Patrick is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, Anglican Communion, and Lutheran Church. A popular legend claims that St. Patrick drove all the snakes out of Ireland. While symbolic (snakes represent paganism), Ireland never had snakes due to its geography.