Saint Patrick’s Day, a cultural and religious celebration held on the 17th of March, is a day of festivity that honors Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.
This day marks the arrival of Christianity in Ireland and is a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador, and Montserrat.
However, the celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day is not limited to these regions. It is celebrated with much enthusiasm and joy worldwide, and Kingston Parish in Canada is no exception.
In Kingston Parish, Saint Patrick’s Day is a grand affair. The day is marked with parades, wearing of green attire, public festivals, and the lifting of Lenten restrictions on eating and drinking, which is often proscribed during the rest of the season.
The celebration in Kingston Parish is unique, filled with a blend of traditional Irish culture and local Canadian flavor. This blog post will guide you through the Saint Patrick’s Day Celebration in Kingston Parish in 2024.
Table of Events and Parades
The Saint Patrick’s Day celebration in Kingston Parish is packed with a variety of events and parades. Here is a comprehensive list of the events and parades happening in Kingston Parish:
| Event Name | Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kingston Parish Saint Patrick’s Day Parade | Downtown Kingston | March 17, 2024 | 10:00 AM |
| Irish Music Festival | Kingston Music Hall | March 16-17, 2024 | All Day |
| Saint Patrick’s Day Family Fun Fair | Kingston Community Center | March 17, 2024 | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
| Traditional Irish Dinner | Kingston Irish Pub | March 17, 2024 | 7:00 PM |
Details of Events and Parades
Kingston Parish Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
The Kingston Parish Saint Patrick’s Day Parade is the highlight of the celebration.
The parade starts at 10:00 AM in Downtown Kingston and features a variety of floats, marching bands, and community groups dressed in green, showcasing the vibrant Irish culture and heritage.
The parade route is lined with spectators cheering and enjoying the festive atmosphere.
Irish Music Festival
The Irish Music Festival is a two-day event held at the Kingston Music Hall. It features performances by local and international artists playing traditional Irish music. The festival also includes workshops where attendees can learn about Irish music and instruments.
Saint Patrick’s Day Family Fun Fair
The Saint Patrick’s Day Family Fun Fair is held at the Kingston Community Center from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The fair offers a variety of activities for children and families, including games, crafts, face painting, and traditional Irish dance performances.
Traditional Irish Dinner
The Traditional Irish Dinner is a special event held at the Kingston Irish Pub at 7:00 PM. The dinner features a menu of traditional Irish dishes, including corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie, and Irish soda bread.
Specific Places to Visit
- Downtown Kingston: The heart of the Saint Patrick’s Day celebration, Downtown Kingston is where the parade takes place. The streets are filled with vendors selling Irish-themed merchandise and food.
- Kingston Music Hall: The venue for the Irish Music Festival, Kingston Music Hall is a must-visit for music lovers.
- Kingston Community Center: The location for the Family Fun Fair, the community center is a great place for families to enjoy a day of fun activities.
- Kingston Irish Pub: Known for its Traditional Irish Dinner, the pub is a great place to experience authentic Irish cuisine.
Routes to Take
- Parade Route: Starting from the city center, follow the parade route along the main street to enjoy the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade.
- Music Festival Route: From the city center, head towards the Kingston Music Hall. There are signs along the way guiding visitors to the festival.
- Family Fun Fair Route: The Kingston Community Center is located in the heart of the city and is easily accessible by public transportation.
- Dinner Route: The Kingston Irish Pub is located near the city center. It’s a short walk from the main parade route.
Restaurants and Pubs
- Kingston Irish Pub: Known for its traditional Irish dinner on Saint Patrick’s Day, this pub also offers a variety of Irish beers and whiskeys.
- The Green Clover: This restaurant offers a special Saint Patrick’s Day menu featuring Irish classics like corned beef and cabbage.
- O’Malley’s: A popular pub that offers live music and a festive atmosphere on Saint Patrick’s Day.
- The Shamrock Inn: This pub offers a wide selection of beers and a special Saint Patrick’s Day menu.
Entertainment
Saint Patrick’s Day in Kingston Parish is filled with entertainment options. The Irish Music Festival offers live music performances, while the Family Fun Fair provides games and activities for children.
The parade itself is a spectacle of floats, costumes, and performances. Many local pubs and restaurants also offer live music and dance performances.
Tips to Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day
- Wear Green: It’s a tradition to wear green on Saint Patrick’s Day. Don’t forget to dress in green to join in the festivities.
- Arrive Early: The parade and other events can get crowded. Arrive early to get a good spot.
- Try Irish Food and Drink: Take the opportunity to try traditional Irish dishes and drinks.
- Join in the Fun: Don’t be shy to join in the dancing and singing. Saint Patrick’s Day is all about having fun!
Best Things to Do
- Join the Parade: Participating in the Saint Patrick’s Day parade is a must-do. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere.
- Attend the Irish Music Festival: Enjoy traditional Irish music performances at the Kingston Music Hall.
- Visit the Family Fun Fair: If you’re with family, don’t miss the Family Fun Fair at the Kingston Community Center.
- Dine at an Irish Pub: Experience authentic Irish cuisine at local pubs like the Kingston Irish Pub or The Green Clover.
- Explore Downtown Kingston: Take a stroll around Downtown Kingston and enjoy the festive decorations and vibrant atmosphere.
Food to Eat
- Corned Beef and Cabbage: A traditional Irish dish that is a must-try during Saint Patrick’s Day.
- Shepherd’s Pie: A hearty dish made of minced meat and vegetables topped with mashed potatoes.
- Irish Soda Bread: A type of quick bread with a delightfully crusty exterior and soft, dense interior.
- Irish Stew: A comforting dish made with lamb, potatoes, carrots, and onions.
- Boxty: A traditional Irish potato pancake.
Drinks
- Irish Beer: Try local Irish beers for a taste of Ireland.
- Irish Whiskey: Sample some Irish whiskey, known for its smooth and light flavor.
- Irish Coffee: A comforting beverage made of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and topped with cream.
- Guinness: No Saint Patrick’s Day celebration is complete without a pint of Guinness.
Other Details
Remember to respect local customs and regulations while participating in the celebrations. Keep the streets clean and dispose of your trash properly. If you plan to consume alcohol, do so responsibly and ensure you have a safe way to get home.
Conclusion
Saint Patrick’s Day in Kingston Parish is a vibrant and joyous celebration filled with parades, music, food, and fun.
Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, participating in the Saint Patrick’s Day celebration is a wonderful way to experience the rich culture and hospitality of Kingston Parish.
So wear your best green outfit, join the festivities, and make some unforgettable memories!
FAQs
Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated annually on March 17th.
Wearing green on Saint Patrick’s Day is a tradition that is believed to make you invisible to leprechauns, who would pinch anyone they could see.
Traditional Irish food includes dishes like corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie, Irish stew, and Irish soda bread.
Kingston Parish hosts a variety of events on Saint Patrick’s Day, including a parade, an Irish music festival, a family fun fair, and a traditional Irish dinner.
While Saint Patrick’s Day is not a public holiday in most of Canada, it is widely celebrated in many communities, including Kingston Parish.