Saint Patrick’s Day falls on March 17 every year. The holiday honors the life of Saint Patrick, who brought Christianity to Ireland. However, this holiday is less about religion in America and more closely related to having fun and celebrating Irish traditions. According to Forbes.com the United States has an Irish population of roughly 10%, dating back to the Potato Famine of 1845 when immigration to America through Ellis Island was constant. Because of this rapid immigration to America, Irish culture is prevalent in the states, and Saint Patrick’s Day is a nationally celebrated holiday. Several Fenton students participate in Saint Patrick’s Day traditions dating back to their Irish ancestors.
A Google Form survey was sent out to the FHS student body on March 7 and it was closed on March 10. In that timeframe, 26 students responded. Based on this survey, 68% of people said they celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day in some way. These traditions vary.
“My family and I always set leprechaun traps similar to Elf on the Shelf,” freshman Easton Willingham said. “In addition, we also always watch one of ‘The Leprechaun’ movies, which is always a big hit.”
Many students wear green, eat traditional Irish foods, or attend local parades with their families.
Meanwhile, on a larger scale, Chicago hosts one of the more famous St Patrick’s Day traditions. According to to TheIrishRoadTrip.com every year, roughly one million people gather to watch the Chicago River turn Irish green to honor the day. The event, dating back to 1962, is accompanied by parades, Irish markets, and even rubber duck races in the river making it one of the most recognizable St Patrick’s Day traditions in America.
Beyond these well-known traditions, other local customs bring people together in the spirit of the holiday.
“I typically race a local event as a part of St. Patrick’s Day festival, usually the Pot O’Gold four mile in Flint,” sophomore Jackson DeFina said. “Along with the run, we traditionally bake an Irish soda bread.”
On a broader scale, cities across the United States host vibrant parades, with New York City boasting the largest. According to ABC7 New York drawing nearly two million people, the parade features bagpipers, Irish dancers, and various Irish organizations marching down Fifth Avenue.
Whether in small communities or large cities, Saint Patrick’s Day traditions continue to unite Irish-American people.
Blending local customs with large-scale national traditions, Saint Patrick’s Day remains a deeply rooted and widely loved holiday in the United States. While some families keep things simple with festive meals and wearing green, others join massive public events like Chicago’s river dyeing or New York City’s grand parade. No matter how it’s celebrated, the holiday serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of Irish culture in America.
