Saint Patrick’s Day, a cultural and religious celebration held on the 17th of March, is a day to honor the patron saint of Ireland, Saint Patrick. While this day is celebrated in many parts of the world, the festivities in Florida are particularly noteworthy.
Table of Events and Parades
Here is a list of some of the key events and parades taking place in Florida on Saint Patrick’s Day in 2024:
| Event Name | Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Patrick’s Day Parade | Downtown Miami | March 17, 2024 | 12:00 PM |
| Irish Festival | Fort Lauderdale | March 16-17, 2024 | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| St. Patrick’s Day Block Party | Wynwood, Miami | March 17, 2024 | 2:00 PM – 2:00 AM |
| St. Patrick’s Day Family Festival | Coral Gables | March 17, 2024 | 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM |
| St. Patrick’s Day Beach Run | Daytona Beach | March 17, 2024 | 8:00 AM |
Details of Events and Parades
St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Downtown Miami
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Downtown Miami is a grand spectacle that attracts thousands of spectators each year. The parade features beautifully decorated floats, marching bands playing traditional Irish tunes, and performers dressed in vibrant costumes. The parade route winds through the heart of downtown, offering plenty of viewing spots for spectators.
Irish Festival, Fort Lauderdale
The Irish Festival in Fort Lauderdale is a two-day event that celebrates Irish culture and heritage. The festival features live music, traditional Irish dancing, food stalls serving Irish cuisine, and a variety of fun activities for children. It’s a family-friendly event that offers something for everyone.
St. Patrick’s Day Block Party, Wynwood, Miami
The St. Patrick’s Day Block Party in Wynwood is a lively event that brings the community together to celebrate. The party features live music, food trucks, and plenty of green beer. The streets of Wynwood are filled with revelers enjoying the festive atmosphere.
St. Patrick’s Day Family Festival, Coral Gables
The St. Patrick’s Day Family Festival in Coral Gables is a community event that focuses on family-friendly activities. The festival features games, crafts, face painting, and a petting zoo. It’s a great place for families to enjoy the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
St. Patrick’s Day Beach Run, Daytona Beach
The St. Patrick’s Day Beach Run in Daytona Beach is a fun and healthy way to celebrate the holiday. Participants can choose to run or walk the course, which takes them along the beautiful Daytona Beach shoreline. The run is followed by a post-race celebration with food, drinks, and prizes.
Specific Places to Visit
- Downtown Miami: The heart of the city’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, Downtown Miami offers a variety of events and attractions, including the annual parade.
- Fort Lauderdale: Home to the Irish Festival, Fort Lauderdale is a must-visit for anyone looking to immerse themselves in Irish culture and festivities.
- Wynwood, Miami: Known for its vibrant arts scene, Wynwood hosts a lively block party on St. Patrick’s Day.
- Coral Gables: A family-friendly city, Coral Gables hosts a St. Patrick’s Day Family Festival that’s perfect for attendees of all ages.
- Daytona Beach: For those who prefer a more active celebration, Daytona Beach hosts a St. Patrick’s Day Beach Run.
Routes to Take
- Downtown Miami to Fort Lauderdale: Take I-95 N from Downtown Miami to reach Fort Lauderdale. The drive is approximately 30 minutes without traffic.
- Fort Lauderdale to Wynwood, Miami: From Fort Lauderdale, take I-95 S to Wynwood. The drive is approximately 40 minutes without traffic.
- Wynwood, Miami to Coral Gables: From Wynwood, take FL-836 W and FL-959 S to Coral Gables. The drive is approximately 20 minutes without traffic.
- Coral Gables to Daytona Beach: From Coral Gables, take I-95 N to Daytona Beach. The drive is approximately 4 hours without traffic.
Restaurants and Pubs
- Finnegan’s Way: An Irish pub located in Miami Beach, Finnegan’s Way serves traditional Irish fare and a wide selection of beers.
- The Field Irish Pub & Eatery: Located in Fort Lauderdale, The Field offers a cozy atmosphere, live music, and a menu filled with Irish classics.
- Briny Irish Pub: Situated in the Riverfront area of Fort Lauderdale, Briny Irish Pub is a popular spot for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
- John Martin’s Irish Pub & Restaurant: Located in Coral Gables, John Martin’s is known for its authentic Irish food and warm, friendly atmosphere.
- McK’s Tavern: A Daytona Beach staple, McK’s Tavern offers a wide selection of beers and hearty Irish dishes.
Entertainment
The entertainment during the Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations in Florida is diverse and exciting. From live music performances featuring traditional Irish tunes to modern pop and rock, there’s something for everyone. Many events also feature traditional Irish dancing, with troupes performing intricate routines to the delight of the crowds.
Tips to Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day
- Wear Green: It’s a tradition to wear green on St. Patrick’s Day, so be sure to dress in your best green attire.
- Arrive Early: The parades and events can get crowded, so it’s a good idea to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.
- Stay Hydrated: Florida can be hot, even in March. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Plan Your Transportation: With many people celebrating, it’s a good idea to plan your transportation in advance. Consider using public transportation or ride-sharing services.
- Respect the Community: Remember to celebrate responsibly and respect the local community and environment.
Best Things to Do
- Join the Parade: Participating in the St. Patrick’s Day parade is a must-do. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere and enjoy the vibrant displays.
- Visit an Irish Pub: Experience the authentic Irish pub culture by visiting one of the many Irish pubs in Florida. Enjoy traditional Irish food, drinks, and live music.
- Attend a Festival: The Irish festivals offer a variety of activities, from live performances to food stalls. It’s a great place to learn more about Irish culture and traditions.
- Participate in a Beach Run: For those who prefer a more active celebration, participating in the St. Patrick’s Day Beach Run can be a fun and healthy way to celebrate.
- Explore the City: Take this opportunity to explore the city. Visit the local attractions, enjoy the local cuisine, and experience the local culture.
Food to Eat
- Corned Beef and Cabbage: A traditional Irish dish, corned beef and cabbage are a must-try during the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
- Irish Stew: Another traditional dish, Irish stew is hearty and comforting, perfect for the festivities.
- Soda Bread: This dense, slightly sweet bread is a staple in Irish cuisine. It’s often served with butter or jam.
- Shepherd’s Pie: A hearty dish made with ground meat, and vegetables, and topped with mashed potatoes, Shepherd’s Pie is a crowd favorite.
- Irish Breakfast: An Irish breakfast typically includes bacon, sausage, eggs, black and white pudding, and tomatoes. It’s a hearty meal that will keep you energized throughout the celebrations.
Drinks
- Irish Beer: Ireland is famous for its beers. Try a pint of Guinness or Murphy’s Irish Stout.
- Irish Whiskey: If you’re a fan of spirits, don’t miss out on trying some Irish whiskey.
- Irish Coffee: A warming drink made with hot coffee, Irish whiskey, and sugar, and topped with cream.
- Green Beer: A St. Patrick’s Day staple, green beer is simply beer dyed green in honor of the holiday.
- Bailey’s Irish Cream: A creamy liqueur made from Irish whiskey and cream, Bailey’s Irish Cream is a delicious treat.
Other Details
Remember to plan your day in advance to make the most of the celebrations. Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. Most importantly, celebrate responsibly. While St. Patrick’s Day is a day of celebration, it’s important to respect the local community and environment.
Conclusion
St. Patrick’s Day in Florida is a vibrant and exciting celebration. With a variety of events and activities, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, participating in the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations is a great way to experience the local culture and traditions. So, wear your best green attire, join the festivities, and have a memorable St. Patrick’s Day Celebration in Florida in 2024!
FAQs
St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated on March 17th every year.
St. Patrick’s Day is a cultural and religious celebration held on the death date of Saint Patrick, the foremost patron saint of Ireland.
The tradition of wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day is tied to folklore that says wearing green makes you invisible to leprechauns, which like to pinch anyone they can see.
Traditional foods for St. Patrick’s Day include corned beef and cabbage, Irish stew, and soda bread.
Florida hosts a variety of events on St. Patrick’s Day, including parades, festivals, block parties, and beach runs.