Saint Patrick’s Day, a cultural and religious celebration held on the 17th of March, is a special day commemorating Saint Patrick, the foremost patron saint of Ireland.
This day is celebrated with great enthusiasm not only in Ireland but also in various parts of the world, including Virginia.
The state of Virginia, known for its rich history and diverse culture, hosts a variety of events and parades to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day.
Table of Events and Parades
Here is a list of some of the major events and parades happening in Virginia on Saint Patrick’s Day in 2024:
| Event Name | Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandria Saint Patrick’s Day Parade | Alexandria | March 17, 2024 | 12:30 PM |
| ShamrockFest | RFK Stadium, Washington D.C. (near Virginia) | March 17, 2024 | 2:00 PM |
| St. Patty’s Palooza | Innsbrook Pavilion, Glen Allen | March 17, 2024 | 11:00 AM |
| Church Hill Irish Festival | Church Hill, Richmond | March 23-24, 2024 | 10:00 AM |
Details of Events and Parades
Alexandria Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
The Alexandria Saint Patrick’s Day Parade is a long-standing tradition in the city. The parade features local schools, community groups, and businesses marching down the streets of Old Town Alexandria. Spectators can expect to see a variety of floats, marching bands, and Irish dancers. The parade concludes with a grand display of classic cars and fire trucks.
ShamrockFest
ShamrockFest, held near Virginia at the RFK Stadium in Washington D.C., is known as America’s largest Saint Paddy’s Day festival. The festival features multiple stages of live music, including top Irish bands, DJs, and performers. There are also games, contests, food, and plenty of beer.
St. Patty’s Palooza
St. Patty’s Palooza is a family-friendly event held at the Innsbrook Pavilion in Glen Allen. The event features live music, a kids’ zone with inflatables and games, food trucks, and a craft beer station. Proceeds from the event go to local charities.
Church Hill Irish Festival
The Church Hill Irish Festival in Richmond is a two-day event that celebrates Irish culture with music, food, and crafts. The festival also includes a ‘Celtic Mass’ before the Sunday parade.
Specific Places to Visit
- Old Town Alexandria: The historic district is the heart of the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade.
- RFK Stadium: The venue for ShamrockFest.
- Innsbrook Pavilion: The location for St. Patty’s Palooza.
- Church Hill: The neighborhood hosting the Irish Festival.
Routes to Take
- For Old Town Alexandria, consider taking the Metro’s Yellow Line to the King Street-Old Town station.
- To reach RFK Stadium, the Stadium-Armory station on the Metro’s Blue and Orange lines is the closest.
- For Innsbrook Pavilion, driving via I-64 and Cox Road is the most direct route.
- To get to Church Hill in Richmond, use I-95 and take the Broad St exit.
Restaurants and Pubs
- Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub: A classic Irish pub in Alexandria.
- The Celtic House Irish Pub & Restaurant: Known for its traditional Irish fare.
- Siné Irish Pub & Restaurant in Richmond: Offers a great selection of Irish dishes and beers.
- O’Malley’s Pub in Sterling: A popular spot for watching sports.
Entertainment
In addition to the parades and festivals, there are numerous concerts and performances happening around Virginia on Saint Patrick’s Day. Local pubs and venues often host live music, ranging from traditional Irish folk music to contemporary bands. There are also Irish dance performances and storytelling events that showcase Irish culture and heritage.
Tips to Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day
- Wear green: It’s a Saint Patrick’s Day tradition!
- Plan your transportation: Public transit can be a great option due to the heavy traffic and road closures.
- Arrive early: Parades and events can draw large crowds, so arrive early to get a good spot.
- Stay hydrated: If you’re partaking in the festivities, remember to drink water in between your green beers.
- Be respectful: Remember that Saint Patrick’s Day has religious origins and is a cultural celebration for many.
Best Things to Do
- Join the Parade: Participate in or watch the Saint Patrick’s Day parades. They are filled with music, dance, and community spirit.
- Visit an Irish Pub: Experience the lively atmosphere of a local Irish pub.
- Attend a Festival: Enjoy the various Saint Patrick’s Day festivals happening around Virginia.
- Try Irish Food and Drinks: Use this opportunity to taste traditional Irish dishes and beverages.
- Wear Green: Show your Saint Patrick’s Day spirit by wearing green.
Food to Eat
- Corned Beef and Cabbage: A traditional Irish dish that is a staple at Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations.
- Shepherd’s Pie: A hearty dish made with meat, vegetables, and a potato topping.
- Irish Soda Bread: A quick bread that uses baking soda as a leavening agent.
- Irish Stew: A comforting stew made with lamb, potatoes, and carrots.
Drinks
- Irish Beer: Try a pint of Guinness or another Irish beer.
- Irish Whiskey: Sample some smooth and flavorful Irish whiskey.
- Irish Coffee: A warming drink made with coffee, Irish whiskey, and sugar, and topped with cream.
- Green Drinks: Many places serve green-colored drinks as part of the Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Other Details
Remember to plan your day in advance to make the most of the celebrations. Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. If you plan to consume alcohol, please do so responsibly and consider arranging for a designated driver or using public transportation.
Conclusion
Saint Patrick’s Day in Virginia is a vibrant celebration filled with parades, festivals, food, and music. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, participating in the Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations offers a wonderful opportunity to experience Irish culture and community spirit. So wear your best green outfit, try some delicious Irish food and drinks, and join in the festivities!
FAQs
A: Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated annually on March 17th.
A: No, Saint Patrick’s Day is not a public holiday in Virginia. However, many businesses, schools, and public services may have altered hours or be closed.
A: Wearing green is a popular tradition on Saint Patrick’s Day. You can also wear accessories like hats, beads, or scarves in green or featuring Irish symbols.
A: Yes, many Saint Patrick’s Day events, such as parades and festivals, are family-friendly. However, some events, particularly those held in pubs or involving alcohol, may be restricted to adults.
A: For the most accurate and up-to-date information about specific Saint Patrick’s Day events in Virginia, it’s best to check the official event websites or local news sources.