Saint Patrick’s Day, a cultural and religious celebration held on the 17th of March, is a day that honors Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.
Over the years, this day has evolved into a global celebration of Irish culture, with festivities ranging from parades and concerts to wearing green attire and public feasting.
In Arizona, Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated with much enthusiasm and joy, with events and parades held across the state that attract locals and tourists alike.
Table of Events and Parades
Given the scale of Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations in Arizona, there are numerous events and parades organized throughout the state. While it’s not possible to attend all of them, having a table of events can help you plan your day and choose the events that most appeal to you.
The table below provides a snapshot of some of the key events and parades happening in Arizona on Saint Patrick’s Day 2024.
| Event Name | Location | Time | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Faire | Downtown Phoenix | 10:00 AM | March 17, 2024 |
| Chandler’s Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade | Downtown Chandler | 2:00 PM | March 17, 2024 |
| Scottsdale’s St. Patrick’s Day Festival | Old Town Scottsdale | 12:00 PM | March 17, 2024 |
| Tucson’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival | Armory Park, Tucson | 10:00 AM | March 17, 2024 |
Details of Events and Parades
Phoenix St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Faire
The Phoenix St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Faire is one of the most anticipated events in Arizona. The parade features a variety of floats, marching bands, and Irish dancers, providing a vibrant display of Irish culture. The fair follows the parade, offering attendees a chance to enjoy live Irish music, traditional Irish dancing, and a variety of food and drink options.
Chandler’s Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Chandler’s Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a family-friendly event that showcases the city’s community spirit. The parade includes local schools, businesses, and community groups, all decked out in green and celebrating Irish heritage.
Scottsdale’s St. Patrick’s Day Festival
Scottsdale’s St. Patrick’s Day Festival is a day-long celebration of all things Irish. The festival features live music, a wide range of food and drink stalls, and plenty of activities for kids, making it a great event for the whole family.
Tucson’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival
Tucson’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival is a community event that brings together people of all ages to celebrate Irish culture. The parade is followed by a festival at Armory Park, where attendees can enjoy Irish music, dance, and food.
Specific Places to Visit
- Downtown Phoenix: The location of the Phoenix St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Faire, downtown Phoenix is a must-visit. The area is bustling with energy during the celebrations.
- Downtown Chandler: Home to Chandler’s Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, downtown Chandler offers a variety of local businesses to explore.
- Old Town Scottsdale: The location of Scottsdale’s St. Patrick’s Day Festival, Old Town Scottsdale is known for its lively atmosphere and excellent dining options.
- Armory Park, Tucson: The site of Tucson’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival, Armory Park is a beautiful location to enjoy the festivities.
Routes to Take
- For the Phoenix St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Faire, consider taking the I-10 freeway to downtown Phoenix.
- To reach downtown Chandler for the Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the Loop 202 freeway is a convenient route.
- If you’re heading to Old Town Scottsdale for the St. Patrick’s Day Festival, the Loop 101 freeway provides easy access.
- For those attending the St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival in Tucson, the I-10 freeway leads directly to Armory Park.
Restaurants and Pubs
- Seamus McCaffrey’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, Phoenix: Known for its authentic Irish fare and lively atmosphere.
- Murphy’s Law Irish Pub, Chandler: A popular spot for its extensive beer selection and traditional Irish dishes.
- The Dubliner Irish Pub, Phoenix: Offers a range of Irish and American dishes, along with live music.
- O’Malley’s on Fourth, Tucson: Known for its traditional Irish pub feel and excellent food.
Entertainment
The entertainment at the Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations in Arizona is diverse and exciting. From the lively parades featuring marching bands and Irish dancers to the festivals with live Irish music and dance performances, there’s something for everyone. Additionally, many pubs and restaurants offer live music and special events to celebrate the occasion.
Tips to Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day
- Wear Green: It’s a tradition to wear green on Saint Patrick’s Day, so be sure to dress in your best green attire.
- Plan Your Day: With so many events happening, it’s a good idea to plan your day in advance to make the most of the celebrations.
- Stay Hydrated: Arizona can be hot, even in March, so remember to stay hydrated, especially if you’re consuming alcohol.
- Be Respectful: While Saint Patrick’s Day is a day of celebration, it’s also a cultural and religious holiday. Be respectful of the traditions and the people who are celebrating.
Best Things to Do
- Join the Parades: Participating in or watching the parades is one of the best ways to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day in Arizona. Each city has its unique parade, offering a different experience.
- Visit the Faires: The faires that follow the parades are filled with activities, food, and music, providing a fun-filled experience for all ages.
- Try Traditional Irish Food: Many restaurants and pubs offer special menus for Saint Patrick’s Day, allowing you to try traditional Irish dishes.
- Enjoy Live Music: Numerous live music performances are happening across the state, ranging from traditional Irish music to contemporary bands.
- Explore the Cities: Saint Patrick’s Day is a great time to explore the cities of Arizona. Each city is bustling with energy and offers its unique attractions.
Food to Eat
- Corned Beef and Cabbage: A traditional Irish dish that is a staple at many Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations.
- Shepherd’s Pie: A hearty dish made with meat, vegetables, and a potato topping.
- Irish Soda Bread: A type of quick bread that uses baking soda as a leavening agent.
- Irish Stew: A comforting dish made with meat, potatoes, and vegetables.
- Boxty: A traditional Irish potato pancake.
Drinks
- Irish Coffee: A cocktail consisting of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, and sugar, topped with cream.
- Guinness: A popular Irish dry stout that originated in the brewery of Arthur Guinness at St. James’s Gate, Dublin.
- Irish Whiskey: There are several brands of Irish whiskey to choose from, each offering a unique flavor profile.
- Baileys Irish Cream: A cream-based liqueur made with Irish whiskey and cream.
- Green Beer: A Saint Patrick’s Day staple, beer dyed green in celebration of the holiday.
Other Details
Remember, Saint Patrick’s Day is not just about the parades and the green beer. It’s a day to celebrate Irish culture and heritage. Take the time to learn about the history of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, and the traditions associated with the holiday. And most importantly, have fun and enjoy the festivities!
Conclusion
Saint Patrick’s Day in Arizona is a vibrant and exciting event, filled with parades, music, food, and fun. Whether you’re of Irish descent or just looking to partake in the festivities, there’s something for everyone. So, wear your best green outfit, join the celebrations, and have a fantastic Saint Patrick’s Day!
FAQs
Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated annually on March 17th.
Wearing green on Saint Patrick’s Day is a tradition that is thought to bring good luck. The color green is also associated with Ireland, often referred to as the “Emerald Isle”.
Saint Patrick’s Day is a cultural and religious holiday that celebrates Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. It commemorates Saint Patrick and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland.
Yes, most of the Saint Patrick’s Day events in Arizona are family-friendly. There are activities for people of all ages to enjoy.
No, Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated by people of all backgrounds. It’s a day to celebrate Irish culture and heritage.