What is St Patrick’s day?
St Patrick’s day is a holiday to commemorate St Patrick, known to be a patron of Ireland. Considering Patrick was credited for bringing Christianity to its people in parts of Ireland, it’s no surprise this holiday is known to be a cultural and religious day. St Patrick’s day is celebrated on March 17th, so for the year 2023, this holiday will be celebrated on a Friday! Now then, what events are celebrated during this time of year, and how do people celebrate them?
Traditions to follow for this Holiday
Many people worldwide celebrate this holiday in various ways, so it’s difficult to decide what to do. Most commonly, people are required to wear green to avoid being pinched by others, so do not forget this important tradition of this time of year! Supposedly, wearing green is a sign of being invisible to leprechauns who tend to pinch others, so this is why individuals are required to follow this rule! Now then, aside from this tradition, what are some fun events coming up that people should go to?
Saint Patrick’s Day Events in Canada 2023
CelticFest Vancouver 2023
Join Blackthorns, known to be Vancouver’s longest-running Celtic band and celebrate this holiday! This is a family-friendly event full of Celtic Music, dancing and food! Many guests, such as BCR Regiment Irish Pipes & Drums, Eire Born Irish Dance Company, and Shot of Scotch Vancouver Company, will be invited. Dances will be taught during this event, but if you choose to dance your way, that is encouraged too!
- Date and time: Friday, March 17th, 2023, 7:00 pm-11:00 pm PDT
- Address: Hellenic Community Centre 4500 Arbutus Street Vancouver, BC, V6J 4A2
- Ticket Prices:
Adult Price: CA$27.96
Student (Ages 13-18) and Senior (Ages 68+) CA$22.63
Child (12 and under): Free
More information and place to buy your tickets are here!
St Patricks Day 5K
Join this fun and active event in the Beautiful Stanley Park for a 5K walk and run! Those with walking poles, strollers or baby joggers are asked to begin at the back of the pack and walk the route for safety reasons. Invite your family, friends, and others on the following date:
- Date and Time: Saturday, March 11th, 2023, 9:30 am
- Address: Stanley Park Pavilion, Stanley Park, Vancouver, BC
Individual Registration (Until Marth 6th): $45
For more information on this event or a link for signing up, click here!
St Patrick’s Day Market, Lulu Island
Participate in this event which will be running regardless of rain or shine. This event will be full of the following:
- Local Vendors
- Kids Shamrock Shake Dance Party
- Live entertainment
- Games and more
Date and Time: March 18th, 2023, 1-5 pm
Address: Lulu Island Winery – 16880 Westminster Hwy, Richmond, BC V6V 1A8
Admission: Free
For more information on this event, be sure to click here!
St Patricks Day Parade Ontario
In the beautiful city of Toronto lies the incredible St Patrick’s Day Parade! This event will take place in the centre of Toronto, and all ages are invited! This parade will begin on the corner of St George and Bloor St West, heading East on Bloor Street, turning South on Yonge Street, and ending on Queen Street. The parade will be finished at Nathan Phillips square. The parade itself will last one and a half hours.
- Date and Time: Sunday, March 19th, 2023, 12:00 pm.
- Address: St. George Subway Station Toronto, ON Canada
For more information on this event, be sure to click here!
There will likely be more events announced for this fun holiday in the future, but in the meantime, many people are showing excitement for the upcoming events of 2023. Despite all the events listed, there are always more things to do at home, such as baking Soda Bread, baking something green, watching an Irish movie, creating a St Patrick’s day card, and much more!
Be sure to have a happy St Patrick’s day, but most of all, remember to be safe out there!
Sources: 25 Best St. Patrick’s Day Activities and Games for the Whole Family St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Child’s Life Kids Event Guide York Region, Toronto, Durham Region
