Thursday, March 17, is the traditional Irish national holiday, St. Patrick's Day. Also this year, the world is inspired to commemorate Ireland's patron saint, St. Patrick. This year has a special character, now after a break of two years, the physical activities return with the theme “Connections”. The island's St. Patrick's Day festivals are packed with traditional music, dance, art and street theater. For the first time in two years, everyone in Ireland can indulge in live events such as Dublin's St Patrick's Day Festival; but also worldwide Irish music is a unifying force in the online Green Button Festival or the local St Patrick's Day celebrations.
After a two-year hiatus, live parades and events are back in Ireland to celebrate the National Day. This year's St. Patrick's Day Festival in Dublin (March 16 – 20) will be the largest ever, in size and ambition. With the theme 'Connections', the festival is a moment of connection for all Irish people around the world. With more parades, more marching bands and more participants than ever before, the iconic National St. Patrick's Day Parade returns to delight the hundreds of thousands in attendance on Thursday, March 17. Outside the capital, St. Patrick's Day is also celebrated on a grand scale, with festivals, open-air concerts and activities spread all over the island.
Irish music has a strong ability to connect people. That's why Ireland Tourism is launching a striking new music festival on March 17 as part of the global celebration of St. Patrick's Day. The Green Button Festival is an online event to bring everyone, everywhere in the world, together with beloved Irish music. The unique festival can be followed live on St Patrick's Day via www.ierland.nl.
Digital festival-goers are treated to a range of performances by Irish and Northern Irish musicians. Big established names and rising stars from Ireland will make their way from iconic Irish locations during the Green Button Festival. Performances include Hothouse Flowers at Temple Bar in Dublin, Clannad and Denise Chaila in County Donegal, Ailbhe Reddy at Dublin Castle and The Pale from the Tower Museum in Derry-Londonderry.
Ryan McMullan is one of the acts performing at the Oh Yeah Music Center in Belfast, which was declared a UNESCO City of Music late last year. Acts such as the contemporary folk band Kíla, DJ and singer Gemma Bradley will also be featured; and the popular Riverdance will perform at the iconic Giant's Causeway and the Cliffs of Moher.
In the Netherlands, the St. Patrick's Day Festival takes place on Sunday 13 March on the Grote Markt in The Hague with various music and dance performances. Especially for this, the Irish Prison Service Pipe Band flies in, which gives a running performance from the Grote Markt to the Irish pub O'Caseys and back again. In addition, The Hague will get an Irish 'touch' by the 'Ireland tram' that runs through the city throughout the month.
St. Patrick's Day in Ireland not only celebrates the day of the patron saint, it also showcases the island's proud and rich culture and traditions.
Here are some true Irish St. Patrick's Day traditions:
– Wear greenery and clovers as a symbol of national pride and tradition. †
– Visit a church for a St. Patrick's Day service
– Watch a St. Patrick's Day parade or participate in a festival
– Enjoy a hearty Irish breakfast of eggs, bacon and sausage with a slice of soda bread.
– Visit the local pub for a pint of the black stuff, Guinness, Irish coffee or a glass of Irish whiskey.
