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.
This day, which falls during the Christian season of Lent, has evolved into a worldwide celebration of Irish culture, filled with festivities that include parades, wearing of green attire, public feasting, and copious amounts of green beer.
In the United States, Saint Patrick’s Day is not just an opportunity to celebrate Irish heritage, but also a chance to enjoy fun community events and gatherings.
When it comes to Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations, Washington State stands out with its unique blend of events and activities that cater to all ages and interests.
Whether you’re a resident or a visitor planning a trip around this time, you’re in for a treat. From lively parades and Irish festivals in Seattle to bar crawls in Tacoma, there’s something for everyone. So, let’s dive into the best places in Washington to visit on Saint Patrick’s Day.
Seattle: The Heart of Washington’s St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations
Seattle, the largest city in Washington State, is renowned for its vibrant St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. The city’s rich cultural diversity and energetic spirit make it a top destination for those looking to partake in the festivities. Here are some of the key events that make Seattle a go-to place on St. Patrick’s Day.
Seattle St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The Seattle St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a long-standing tradition that brings together locals and visitors alike.
The parade features a colorful array of floats, marching bands, and community groups, all decked out in green. It’s a lively spectacle that captures the essence of St. Patrick’s Day, making it a must-see event.
Irish Festival Seattle
The Irish Festival in Seattle is another major highlight. This event showcases Irish culture through music, dance, and art.
Attendees can enjoy traditional Irish music performances, learn Irish dance steps, and explore an array of Irish arts and crafts. It’s a fantastic way to immerse oneself in Irish culture right in the heart of Seattle.
St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl Seattle
For those who enjoy a more adult-oriented celebration, the St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl in Seattle is the perfect event.
Participants can visit some of the best Irish pubs in Seattle, each offering special St. Patrick’s Day deals. It’s a fun and festive way to celebrate the day with friends while experiencing Seattle’s vibrant nightlife.
Irish Food in Seattle
No St. Patrick’s Day celebration would be complete without indulging in some traditional Irish food.
Many restaurants and pubs in Seattle offer special menus for the occasion, featuring dishes like corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie, and Irish soda bread.
Paired with a pint of Guinness, it’s the perfect way to round off the St. Patrick’s Day festivities.
Exploring St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations Beyond Seattle
While Seattle offers a vibrant St. Patrick’s Day experience, other cities in Washington State also host noteworthy celebrations. Let’s explore what Tacoma, Spokane, Olympia, and Bellingham have to offer.
Tacoma St. Patrick’s Day Events
Tacoma, located in the Puget Sound area, celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with its own unique flair. The city hosts a variety of events, including a lively parade and a festive bar crawl.
Local pubs and restaurants also offer special menus featuring traditional Irish food and drink.
Spokane St. Patrick’s Day Events
Over in Eastern Washington, Spokane hosts a grand St. Patrick’s Day Parade that attracts visitors from all over the region. The city’s Irish pubs and eateries also join in the celebration, offering special deals and festive fare.
Olympia St. Patrick’s Day Events
In Olympia, the state capital, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated with a variety of community events. These include a fun run, a parade, and a host of activities at local Irish pubs. It’s a great place to enjoy a more laid-back St. Patrick’s Day experience.
Bellingham St. Patrick’s Day Events
Bellingham, located in the northern part of the state, offers a unique St. Patrick’s Day experience with its annual parade and community events. The city’s local breweries also get in on the action, offering special St. Patrick’s Day brews.
Understanding St. Patrick’s Day: A Historical Perspective
St. Patrick’s Day, celebrated every year on March 17, is a day of cultural and religious significance. But what is the history behind this day, and why do we celebrate it? Let’s delve into these questions.
When is St. Patrick’s Day?
St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated annually on March 17. This date marks the death of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.
Who was St. Patrick?
St. Patrick, born in Roman Britain in the late 4th century, was kidnapped at the age of 16 and taken to Ireland as a slave. He escaped but returned to Ireland and is credited with bringing Christianity to its people.
Why do we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day?
The primary reason for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day is to honor St. Patrick and his contributions to Ireland. However, over time, the day has evolved into a broader celebration of Irish culture and heritage.
What is the color of St. Patrick’s Day?
Green is the color most associated with St. Patrick’s Day. This tradition dates back to the 17th century when the green harp flag was used by the Irish Catholic Confederation. Green ribbons and shamrocks were worn in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day as early as the 17th century.
What do you eat on St. Patrick’s Day?
Traditional Irish food is often enjoyed on St. Patrick’s Day. Some popular dishes include corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie, and Irish soda bread.
Making the Most of Your St. Patrick’s Day Experience in Washington
St. Patrick’s Day is a day filled with fun, laughter, and a sense of community. Here are some tips to help you fully immerse yourself in the festivities and make the most of your St. Patrick’s Day experience in Washington.
What to Wear
The color of St. Patrick’s Day is green, so be sure to wear something green to show your festive spirit. Whether it’s a green shirt, a shamrock pin, or a leprechaun hat, your green attire will add to the festive atmosphere.
What to Eat
St. Patrick’s Day is a great opportunity to try traditional Irish food. Look for restaurants and pubs serving dishes like corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie, and Irish soda bread. Pair your meal with a pint of Guinness for an authentic Irish experience.
Participate in the Festivities
Join in the parades, attend the Irish festivals, and participate in the bar crawls. These events are a great way to celebrate the day and experience the local culture.
Enjoy the Community Spirit
St. Patrick’s Day is about more than just parades and green beer. It’s a day to celebrate Irish culture and heritage, and it’s a day where communities come together to celebrate. So, enjoy the community spirit, make new friends, and have fun!
Washington DC: A Capital Celebration of St. Patrick’s Day
While Washington State offers a plethora of St. Patrick’s Day festivities, Washington DC, the nation’s capital, is not to be overlooked. The city hosts its own array of events that provide a unique blend of Irish-American culture and history.
Washington DC St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Washington DC is a time-honored tradition that dates back over four decades.
The parade route runs along Constitution Avenue – a significant location that adds to the grandeur of the event. With a variety of floats, marching bands, and dance troupes, the parade is a vibrant display of Irish pride.
St. Patrick’s Day Events at Local Pubs
Washington DC is home to several Irish pubs that offer a cozy and authentic environment to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.
These pubs often host special events, including live music, dance performances, and traditional Irish food and drink specials.
Historical Significance
In Washington DC, St. Patrick’s Day is not just a celebration, but also a reflection of the city’s rich Irish-American history.
The city has been a significant destination for Irish immigrants, and their influence is evident in the city’s culture, architecture, and community events.
Table
| No. | Location | City | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Dubliner | Washington DC | A favorite spot for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations with live music and traditional Irish fare. |
| 2 | Fado Irish Pub | Seattle | Known for its St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, offering live music, Irish dancers, and traditional food and drink. |
| 3 | St. Patrick’s Day Dash | Seattle | An annual 5K race that offers a fun and active way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. |
| 4 | Shawn O’Donnell’s | Spokane | A family-owned restaurant and Irish pub that hosts a St. Patrick’s Day celebration with traditional music and food. |
| 5 | Paddy Coyne’s | Tacoma | Offers a friendly atmosphere and an authentic Irish menu, making it a popular spot for St. Patrick’s Day. |
| 6 | Murphy’s Pub | Seattle | Offers a traditional Irish pub experience with a friendly atmosphere, making it a great spot for St. Patrick’s Day festivities. |
| 7 | O’Blarney’s Irish Pub | Olympia | Known for its hearty Irish fare and wide selection of beers, hosts special events for St. Patrick’s Day including live music. |
| 8 | Boundary Bay Brewery | Bellingham | Offers a unique St. Patrick’s Day experience with special menu items and their locally brewed Irish-style Stout. |
| 9 | The Celtic Bayou | Redmond | Offers a unique blend of Cajun and Irish cuisine. Their St. Patrick’s Day celebration includes live music, Irish dancers, and special menu items. |
| 10 | Paddy’s Bar & Grill | Vancouver | Offers a cozy atmosphere and a menu filled with Irish favorites. Their St. Patrick’s Day celebration is a local favorite. |
| 11 | Mulleady’s Irish Pub | Seattle | Offers a genuine Irish experience with its traditional decor and menu. On St. Patrick’s Day, you can expect special menu items and a festive atmosphere. |
| 12 | The Owl N’ Thistle Irish Pub | Seattle | Known for its live music and traditional Irish fare. Their St. Patrick’s Day celebration is a hit among locals and visitors alike. |
| 13 | O’Doherty’s Irish Grille | Spokane | Hosts a lively St. Patrick’s Day celebration complete with traditional Irish music and food. |
| 14 | T.S. McHugh’s Irish Pub & Restaurant | Seattle | With its authentic Irish menu and wide selection of beers, T.S. McHugh’s is a popular spot for St. Patrick’s Day. |
| 15 | Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub | Seattle | Goes all out for St. Patrick’s Day with live music, Irish dancers, and a special menu featuring traditional Irish dishes. |
| 16 | The Harp Pub | Bellingham | Offers a warm and friendly atmosphere, making it a great spot for St. Patrick’s Day festivities. They often have live music and serve traditional Irish fare. |
| 17 | Conor Byrne Pub | Seattle | Hosts a lively St. Patrick’s Day celebration with live music and traditional Irish food and drink. |
| 18 | The Blarney Stone Pub and Restaurant | Seattle | Known for its festive St. Patrick’s Day atmosphere, complete with traditional Irish music and food. |
| 19 | O’Callahan’s Irish Pub | Spokane | Offers a cozy and authentic environment to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. They often have special events, including live music and traditional Irish food and drink specials. |
| 20 | Shawn O’Donnell’s American Grill and Irish Pub | Everett | Hosts a lively St. Patrick’s Day celebration with traditional Irish music and food. |
Places to visit on St. Patrick’s Day in Washington
- The Dubliner, Washington DC: This Irish pub is a favorite spot for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. With live music and traditional Irish fare, it’s a great place to soak up the festive atmosphere.
- Fado Irish Pub, Seattle: Known for its St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, Fado offers live music, Irish dancers, and traditional food and drink.
- St. Patrick’s Day Dash, Seattle: This annual 5K race is a fun and active way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Participants often dress in green and other festive attire.
- Shawn O’Donnell’s, Spokane: This family-owned restaurant and Irish pub hosts a St. Patrick’s Day celebration with traditional music and food.
- Paddy Coyne’s, Tacoma: With its friendly atmosphere and authentic Irish menu, Paddy Coyne’s is a popular spot for St. Patrick’s Day.
- Murphy’s Pub, Seattle: This Wallingford neighborhood pub offers a traditional Irish pub experience with a friendly atmosphere, making it a great spot for St. Patrick’s Day festivities.
- O’Blarney’s Irish Pub, Olympia: Known for its hearty Irish fare and wide selection of beers, O’Blarney’s hosts special events for St. Patrick’s Day including live music.
- Boundary Bay Brewery, Bellingham: While not an Irish pub, Boundary Bay Brewery gets into the St. Patrick’s Day spirit with special menu items and their locally brewed Irish-style Stout.
- The Celtic Bayou, Redmond: This Irish pub and restaurant offers a unique blend of Cajun and Irish cuisine. Their St. Patrick’s Day celebration includes live music, Irish dancers, and special menu items.
- Paddy’s Bar & Grill, Vancouver: Located in Vancouver, Washington, Paddy’s offers a cozy atmosphere and a menu filled with Irish favorites. Their St. Patrick’s Day celebration is a local favorite.
- Mulleady’s Irish Pub, Seattle: This pub offers a genuine Irish experience with its traditional decor and menu. On St. Patrick’s Day, you can expect special menu items and a festive atmosphere.
- The Owl N’ Thistle Irish Pub, Seattle: Located in the heart of Seattle, this pub is known for its live music and traditional Irish fare. Their St. Patrick’s Day celebration is a hit among locals and visitors alike.
- O’Doherty’s Irish Grille, Spokane: This family-friendly restaurant and pub hosts a lively St. Patrick’s Day celebration complete with traditional Irish music and food.
- T.S. McHugh’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, Seattle: With its authentic Irish menu and wide selection of beers, T.S. McHugh’s is a popular spot for St. Patrick’s Day.
- Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub, Seattle: This pub goes all out for St. Patrick’s Day with live music, Irish dancers, and a special menu featuring traditional Irish dishes.
- The Harp Pub, Bellingham: This pub offers a warm and friendly atmosphere, making it a great spot for St. Patrick’s Day festivities. They often have live music and serve traditional Irish fare.
- Conor Byrne Pub, Seattle: Located in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle, Conor Byrne Pub hosts a lively St. Patrick’s Day celebration with live music and traditional Irish food and drink.
- The Blarney Stone Pub and Restaurant, Seattle: This downtown Seattle pub is known for its festive St. Patrick’s Day atmosphere, complete with traditional Irish music and food.
- O’Callahan’s Irish Pub, Spokane: This pub offers a cozy and authentic environment to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. They often have special events, including live music and traditional Irish food and drink specials.
- Shawn O’Donnell’s American Grill and Irish Pub, Everett: This family-friendly restaurant and pub hosts a lively St. Patrick’s Day celebration with traditional Irish music and food.
Conclusion
St. Patrick’s Day is a vibrant and joyous celebration of Irish culture and heritage. Whether you’re in Washington State or Washington DC, there are numerous events and activities to partake in.
From lively parades and Irish festivals to traditional Irish food and drink, there’s something for everyone.
In Washington State, cities like Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane, Olympia, and Bellingham each offer unique celebrations that cater to all ages and interests.
Whether it’s the grand parade in Seattle, the bar crawl in Tacoma, or the community events in Olympia, you’re sure to find an event that suits your preferences.
Meanwhile, in Washington DC, the nation’s capital, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated with a blend of Irish-American culture and history.
The city’s parade is a time-honored tradition, and the local Irish pubs offer a cozy and authentic environment to celebrate.
FAQs
St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated annually on March 17.
Green is the color most associated with St. Patrick’s Day.
Traditional Irish food is often enjoyed on St. Patrick’s Day. Some popular dishes include corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie, and Irish soda bread.
The primary reason for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day is to honor St. Patrick and his contributions to Ireland. However, over time, the day has evolved into a broader celebration of Irish culture and heritage.
