Green outfits and Irish music! St. Patrick's Day is Ireland's national holiday and is characterized as one of the merriest and greenest days of the year.
When is St. Patrick's Day?
Every March 17, more than 75 million people worldwide commemorate the life of St. Patricius, the patron saint of Ireland. More than 200 countries participate, everywhere with the same traditions. Thus, this national holiday is dominated by the color green, typical Irish food and drink: lamb stew, fish & chips accompanied by a pint of Guinness beer and Irish music. For many in the Netherlands it's a fun opportunity to be Irish for a day: swap Dutch orange for Irish green and celebrate St. Patrick's day just like the Irish.
A holiday full of traditions
St. Patricius caused the Irish to be converted to Christianity in the fifth century, and at the same time, in the process, the three-leaf clover — a symbol of the holy trinity of the father, the son and the holy spirit — became a national symbol. Many Irish are divided between different parts of the world due to migration. St. Patrick's Day is therefore celebrated around the world today. Both people, cities, monuments, and even rivers turn green for this one day. A lot of Irish music is played, and Irish bands perform.
Where to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in the Rotterdam area:
The activities that take place in pubs on March 17 can be compared to Koningsdag: party, fun and lots of green instead of orange, although with smaller crowds and in fewer locations. Here are a couple of tips where we think you're sure to have a good time on St. Patrick's Day.
- In Rotterdam: Paddy Murphy's or Locus Publicus
- In Dordrecht: The Hide Away
- In Rozenburg: Finnegans
- In Vlaardingen: Irish Pub
What do they traditionally drink?
Besides the colour green, Guinness is also inextricably linked to St. Patrick's Day. As such, both have a rich Irish history. This iconic dark beer is part of Ireland's symbols and culture. Through Irish pubs, the favourite meeting places of the Irish, the black stuff plays an important role in the social life of this country. Consequently, the Irish see Guinness as the embodiment of the holiday. While some 7.5 million pints of Guinness are drunk on any given day, as many as 13 million are drunk on St. Patrick's Day.
