When is St Patrick's Day 2021 and why do we celebrate it?

EVERY March St Patrick's Day is celebrated by the Irish across the world.

But why do we celebrate it? Here is everything you'll need to know…

When is St Patrick's Day 2021?

St Patrick's Day is celebrated every year on March 17.

The day only became a national holiday in Ireland in 1903.

The national holiday has been commemorated for over 1,000 years however, the first public celebration is up for debate.

Some argue that the first parade was held in Boston, Massachusetts in 1737 while others argue that the first official parade was held in New York in 1762.

Either way, across the world every year, people come together to celebrate Irish culture and heritage.

Why do we celebrate St Patrick's Day?

St Patrick's Day is the annual celebration of the patron saint of Ireland, St Patrick.

According to the myth, Saint Patrick was kidnapped from the UK and brought over to Ireland in the fifth century, aged just 16.

St Patrick is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland and according to legend, he explained the Holy Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) using the three leaves of the shamrock.

The reason the day is celebrated all over the world is due to Ireland's diaspora and the country's mass historical emigration.

Between 1845 and 1854 two million people were forced to leave Ireland due to the potato famine.

They traveled to the United States, the UK and Canada where the national holiday is continued to be celebrated.

How can I celebrate St Patrick's Day 2021?

This year due to the pandemic the UK's St Patrick's Day celebrations are not going ahead.

However, you can celebrate with your bubble at home or organise a zoom party with family and friends.

You can commemorate the day by making popular Irish food including soda bread, coddle and bacon and cabbage.

Contrary to popular belief, corned beef is not a traditional Irish recipe but is commonly enjoyed by Irish Americans to celebrate the day.

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