Saint Patrick’s Day, a cultural and religious celebration held on the 17th of March, commemorates the death of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.
While this day is celebrated across the world with colorful celebrations and events, Hong Kong has its unique way of marking this occasion. From family-friendly events to more adult-oriented ones, the city truly embraces the Irish spirit.
Table of Events and Parades
| Event Name | Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| St Patrick’s Day at Happy Valley Racecourse | Happy Valley Racecourse | March 15, 2024 | To Be Announced |
| The Naigín – Saint Patrick’s Day Celebration | Grappa’s Cellar Causeway Bay | March 18, 2024 | Starting at 8:15pm |
| St Patrick’s Day Quiz Night | Gastropub Grain | March 14, 2024 | Starting at 8:15 pm |
| St Patrick’s Day – Cenotaph Wreath Laying Ceremony | Cenotaph Memorial, Central, Hong Kong | March 17, 2024 | 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm |
| St Patrick’s Day Weekend At Treasure Island Beach Club | Treasure Island Beach Club in Lantau | March 17-19, 2024 | To Be Announced |
| St Patrick’s Day Family Celebration At Three Sheets Discovery Bay | G06, DDeck, Discovery Bay, Hong Kong | March 18, 2024 | 7:30 pm |
Details of Events and Parades
St Patrick’s Day at Happy Valley Racecourse
This event is a unique blend of horse racing and Irish festivities. The racecourse is adorned with green decorations, and attendees are encouraged to wear green.
The event features traditional Irish music, dance performances, and a variety of food and drink stalls offering Irish delicacies.
The Naigín – Saint Patrick’s Day Celebration
Held at Grappa’s Cellar in Causeway Bay, this event is a night of Irish music and dance. The celebration starts at 8:15 pm and goes on till late. It’s a great place to enjoy the Irish spirit with live music and traditional Irish dances.
St Patrick’s Day Quiz Night
This event is for those who love a good challenge. Held at Gastropub Grain, the quiz night starts at 7:30 pm. The questions are all about Ireland and Saint Patrick’s Day, making it a fun and educational experience.
St Patrick’s Day – Cenotaph Wreath Laying Ceremony
This is a solemn event held at the Cenotaph Memorial in Central, Hong Kong. The ceremony starts at noon and lasts for about half an hour. It’s a time to remember and honor the Irish who have served and sacrificed.
St Patrick’s Day Weekend At Treasure Island Beach Club
This is a weekend-long celebration held at Treasure Island Beach Club in Lantau. The event features beach games, live music, and a special menu of Irish food and drinks.
St Patrick’s Day Family Celebration At Three Sheets Discovery Bay
This is a family-friendly event held at Three Sheets in Discovery Bay. Starting at 3 pm and going on till late, the event features kid-friendly activities, live music, and a special menu of Irish food and drinks.
Specific Places to Visit
- Happy Valley Racecourse
- Grappa’s Cellar, Causeway Bay
- Gastropub Grain
- Cenotaph Memorial, Central, Hong Kong
- Treasure Island Beach Club, Lantau
- Three Sheets, Discovery Bay
Routes to Take
- Route 1: Start your day at the Cenotaph Memorial, then head to Happy Valley Racecourse for the afternoon races. In the evening, enjoy the music and dance at Grappa’s Cellar.
- Route 2: Spend the day at Treasure Island Beach Club in Lantau, then head to Three Sheets in Discovery Bay for the family celebration.
- Route 3: Start with the quiz night at Gastropub Grain, then head to Grappa’s Cellar for the music and dance.
Restaurants and Pubs
- Grappa’s Cellar, Causeway Bay: Known for its Italian cuisine and live music.
- Gastropub Grain: Offers a wide range of beers and pub food.
- Three Sheets, Discovery Bay: A family-friendly restaurant with a diverse menu.
- O’Brien’s Irish Pub: A traditional Irish pub offering a range of Irish beers and whiskies.
Entertainment
- Live music at Grappa’s Cellar and Three Sheets Discovery Bay.
- Horse racing at Happy Valley Racecourse.
- Quiz night at Gastropub Grain.
- Beach games at Treasure Island Beach Club.
Tips to Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day
- Wear green: It’s a tradition to wear green on Saint Patrick’s Day.
- Try Irish food and drinks: Don’t miss the chance to try traditional Irish delicacies.
- Participate in the events: Each event offers unique experiences, so try to participate in as many as you can.
- Respect the customs: While it’s a day of celebration, remember to respect the customs and traditions of Saint Patrick’s Day.
Best Things to Do
- Participate in the Parade: The Saint Patrick’s Day parade is a must-see. It’s a vibrant display of Irish culture with music, dance, and colorful costumes.
- Visit the Happy Valley Racecourse: Enjoy the unique blend of horse racing and Irish festivities at the Happy Valley Racecourse.
- Join the Quiz Night at Gastropub Grain: Test your knowledge about Ireland and Saint Patrick’s Day at the quiz night.
- Enjoy Irish Music and Dance at The Naigín: Experience the Irish spirit with live music and traditional Irish dances at The Naigín.
- Spend a Day at Treasure Island Beach Club: Enjoy beach games, live music, and a special menu of Irish food and drinks at the Treasure Island Beach Club.
- Attend the Family Celebration at Three Sheets Discovery Bay: A family-friendly event with kid-friendly activities, live music, and a special menu of Irish food and drinks.
Food to Eat
- Irish Stew: A hearty dish made with meat, potatoes, and carrots. It’s a traditional Irish dish that’s perfect for Saint Patrick’s Day.
- Corned Beef and Cabbage: Another traditional Irish dish that’s commonly served on Saint Patrick’s Day.
- Soda Bread: A type of quick bread that’s made with baking soda instead of yeast. It’s often served with butter or jam.
- Boxty: A traditional Irish potato pancake. It’s often served with a side of sour cream.
Drinks
- Irish Beer: Try some traditional Irish beers like Guinness or Smithwick’s.
- Irish Whiskey: Ireland is famous for its whiskey. Brands like Jameson and Bushmills are popular choices.
- Irish Coffee: A cocktail made with hot coffee, Irish whiskey, and sugar, and topped with cream.
- Green Beer: It’s a Saint Patrick’s Day tradition to dye beer green. It’s more about the fun than the taste, but it’s worth trying for the experience.
Other Details
Remember, Saint Patrick’s Day is not just about wearing green and drinking beer. It’s a cultural and religious celebration that honors Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. While it’s a fun and festive day, it’s also a time to appreciate and respect Irish culture and traditions.
Conclusion
Saint Patrick’s Day in Hong Kong is a vibrant and fun-filled celebration. Whether you’re participating in a parade, enjoying Irish music and dance, testing your knowledge at a quiz night, or simply enjoying traditional Irish food and drinks, there’s something for everyone.
So wear your best green outfit, join the festivities, and have a fantastic Saint Patrick’s Day!
FAQs
Saint Patrick’s Day is a cultural and religious celebration held on 17 March, the traditional death date of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.
Saint Patrick’s Day in Hong Kong is celebrated with a variety of events and activities, including parades, music and dance performances, quiz nights, and special menus at restaurants and pubs.
It’s a tradition to wear green on Saint Patrick’s Day. Some people also wear accessories like shamrock-shaped pins or hats.
Traditional Irish foods include dishes like Irish stew, corned beef and cabbage, soda bread, and boxty. Traditional drinks include Irish beer, Irish whiskey, and Irish coffee.
