The history of Saint Patrick's Day celebrations
A religious and cultural celebration, Saint Patrick's Day is observed on March 17 every year. It bears the name of the patron saint of Ireland, Saint Patrick, who is thought to have passed away on this day in the fifth century. When the Catholic Church declared Saint Patrick's Day to be an official Christian feast day in the early 17th century, Saint Patrick's Day celebrations began. At first, Saint Patrick's Day was largely observed as a religious festival in Ireland. It was a day for worship, celebration, and paying homage to Saint Patrick. Nonetheless, the celebration gradually shifted toward a more secular tone and started to host parades, festivals, and other events. Irish soldiers serving in the British army are thought to have participated in the inaugural Saint Patrick's Day parade in New York City in 1762 by marching through the city's streets. As the number of Irish immigrants to the US increased over time, Saint Patr...