The Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated the world over with parades, parties, green beer and Irish Whiskey. The holiday that we associated with fun has an interesting history linked with religion, persecution and freedom.
St. Patrick’s Day honors Saint Patrick, patron saint of Ireland. St. Patrick was born more than 1600 years ago. His tumultuous life included slavery,escape, dedication to God and priesthood. being enslaved in Ireland at the age of 16. He returned to Ireland, the land where he had been enslaved, to convert pagans to Christianity.
The popular legend of St. Patrick is that he drove the snakes from Ireland. However, there are no snakes in Ireland, and there probably never have been.The snakes of legend, more likely symbolized pagans converted to Christianity. Snakes. St. Patrick reportedly used shamrocks illustrate the Holy Trinity. The shamrock has been associated with St. Patrick and the Irish people ever since.
The first St. Patrick’s Day Parade originated as an act of defiance against the British. In the 17th and 18th century Ireland, there was a British rule that prohibited pubic demonstrations by the Irish. The rule allowed the Irish only the right to religious processions. On St. Patrick’s Day the Irish held “religious processions” after Mass through the streets of Dublin.
The St. Patrick’s celebrations in the U.S.A. honor the Irish immigrants who were an important part of our nation’s heritage.Many Catholics start the holiday by attending Mass, in honor of their patron saint. The St. Patrick’s Day holiday is a festive celebration, with many people wearing green clothing, armbands and carnations. Parades all over the country will have floats, bands, bagpipes and leprechauns.
Following are some of the Saint Patrick’s celebrations in Ohio this year.
Cleveland Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
Saturday, March 17
1 pm
Cleveland’s event is one of the oldest in America and is the largest in the State of Ohio.
The Cleveland parade is preceded by singing of Anthems. This is the 140th Saint Patrick’s Parade in the city, making it one of the oldest events of it’s type in the United States. The first Cleveland parade was in approximately 1867. Mostly likely it was the ancient Order of Hibernians that organized the songs and dancing. Large groups of friends looked on. In the early years, the event was always on the West Side, which is where the majority of the Irish population was. the Irish immigrants had settles from the Flats to about 67th Street.
The event enlarged over the years. In 1912, crowds were estimated at around 100,000 attracting people from New York and Chicago.The parade was not held from the year of 1913, when many men were off to war and depression times hit the country. From 1935 until this day, the parade has been held under the auspices of several Irish societies.
This year the parade route will change. Check the website for the new route.
This year there will be over 10,000 participants in bands, floats, drill teams, marching units and novelties. The event will start with the singing of the American and Irish National Anthems. Then be marching, jigs, dancing unicycle riding and fun in hobnob of St. Patrick and Ireland.
Cincinnati Patrick’s Day Parade
Cincinnati, Ohio
Saturday, March 17
1 pm
The first St. Patrick Day Parade started in 1967, when members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians took out a permit for a religious procession through downtown Cincinnati. Catholics and others joined in the procession, which has grown over the years.
Dublin Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
Dublin, Ohio
Saturday, March 17
11 am
The parade, which will last about 90 minutes, is only one of the many festivities planned in honor of Saint Patrick. The 2007 Grand Leprechaun will lead the parade, along with local dignitaries and civic groups. There will be Irish and American food specialties offered in the tent and inside the Crowne Plaza Hotel.
Blarney Bash Tent
The tent will have live entertainment form Noon until 9 pm Entertainment will be provided by Yankee, Central Ohio Safety forces Pipes and Drum, Richens Timm Academy of Irish Dance, Homeland, Brigid’s Cross, and the Prodigals. Admission to the tent is free before 4 pm and $5 after 5 pm. Guests under 17 are free.
Dublin Metro Bar in the Crown Plaza Hotel
Entertainment by Yankee Celtic Consort at 2:30 pm and Brigid’s Cross at 10:45 pm.
Wee Folk Entertainment – Waterford Ballroom
An afternoon of entertainment including: Marian Funk, Fun songs & jigs, Michael O’Malley – storyteller, Ceili McDaniel – Song & Stories, Richens Timm Jr. Dancers and Cathy Jo Smith – Katie of the Fairies. There will also be Irish contests for reddest hair, greenest eyes, most freckles and best Irish outfit.
Wee Folk Activities – Grand Dublin Ballroom
Noon to 6 pm
Blarney Bingo and Crafts
Happy St. Patrick’s Day. It is always a good idea to verify information before making a trip.
