History of St. Patrick’s day
For over 1000 years the Irish have observed March 17th as a religious holiday, St. Patrick’s Day. This was the day of Saint Patrick’s death. Perhaps the most well-known legend of St. Patrick is that he explained the Holy Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) using the three leaves of a native Irish clover, the shamrock. The day falls within the catholic religion lent, typically Irish families attend Church in the morning, and celebrate in the afternoon. Dancing, drinking and food were part of the celebrations, especially Irish Bacon and cabbage.
St. Patrick’s Day over the years
Enthusiasm for St. Patrick’s Day American cities only grew from there. As Irish immigrants spread out over the United States, other cities developed their own traditions. One of these is Chicago’s annual dyeing of the Chicago River green. The practice started in 1962, when city pollution-control workers used dyes to trace illegal sewage discharges and realized that the green dye might provide a unique way to celebrate the holiday. That year, they released 100 pounds of green vegetable dye into the river–enough to keep it green for a week. Today, in order to minimize environmental damage, only 40 pounds of dye are used, and the river turns green for only several hours.
St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations Around the World
Today, people of all backgrounds celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, especially throughout the United States, Canada and Australia. Although North America is home to the largest productions, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated around the world in locations far from Ireland, including Japan, Singapore and Europe. Popular St. Patrick’s Day recipes include Irish soda bread, corned beef and cabbage and champ. In the United States, people often wear green on St. Patrick’s Day.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day the Des Moines Way!
There are plenty of ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Greater Des Moines this year. Grab your green attire and take in some Irish festivities. From corned beef to green beer, there are plenty of ways to spread some St. Patrick’s Day cheer!
Here are just a few events around Des Moines for you:
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
What: Parade
When: Noon, Thursday, March 17
Location: Downtown Des Moines (starts at 15th & Mulberry, down Grand Avenue, 8th to Locust)
Des Moines St. Paddy’s Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K
What: 5th Annual St. Paddy’s Marathon, Half Marathon, & 5K
When: Saturday, March 19
Location: Iowa State Capitol
The Des Moines 5th Annual Lucky’s St. Patrick’s Day Crawl
What: Bar Crawl
When: 4 – 11:59 p.m., Saturday, March 19
Location: Pints Bar Rooftop – PBR Country
BAM Basements and Masons of Des Moines wishes you a safe and happy St. Patrick’s Day!