Saint Patrick’s Day, a cultural and religious celebration held on the 17th of March, the traditional death date of Saint Patrick, the foremost patron saint of Ireland, is celebrated with much enthusiasm and joy in West Virginia.
The day commemorates Saint Patrick and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland and celebrates the heritage and culture of the Irish in general.
Table of Events and Parades
Here is a comprehensive list of all the events and parades happening in West Virginia on Saint Patrick’s Day 2024:
| Event Name | Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Patrick’s Day Parade | Charleston | March 17, 2024 | 10:00 AM |
| The 2024 St. Patrick’s Capitol Crawl | Charleston | March 16, 2024 | 5:00 PM |
| Saint Patrick’s Day Festival | Huntington | March 17, 2024 | 12:00 PM |
| Saint Patrick’s Day Family Fun Day | Morgantown | March 17, 2024 | 2:00 PM |
Details of Events and Parades
Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, Charleston
The Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in Charleston is a grand event that attracts thousands of spectators each year.
The parade features marching bands, floats, and groups dressed in traditional Irish attire. The parade route winds through the heart of downtown Charleston, offering plenty of viewing spots for spectators.
The 2024 St. Patrick’s Capitol Crawl, Charleston
The St. Patrick’s Capitol Crawl is an annual event that takes place the day before Saint Patrick’s Day. Participants, often dressed in green, crawl from pub to pub, enjoying music, food, and of course, green beer. It’s a fun-filled event that brings together locals and visitors alike.
Saint Patrick’s Day Festival, Huntington
The Saint Patrick’s Day Festival in Huntington is a day-long celebration that includes live music, traditional Irish dancing, food vendors, and a variety of activities for kids. The festival is a great place to experience Irish culture and tradition.
Saint Patrick’s Day Family Fun Day, Morgantown
The Family Fun Day in Morgantown is a family-friendly event that offers a range of activities for kids and adults. From face painting and games for the kids to live music and food stalls for the adults, there’s something for everyone at this event.
Specific Places to Visit
- Charleston Capitol Building: The Capitol Building in Charleston is a must-visit during Saint Patrick’s Day. The building is lit up in green, creating a festive atmosphere.
- Huntington’s Pullman Square: Pullman Square in Huntington is the heart of the city’s Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations. With live music and a variety of food and drink options, it’s a great place to soak in the festivities.
- Morgantown’s Waterfront Place: The Waterfront Place in Morgantown offers stunning views of the Monongahela River. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Routes to Take
- Charleston Parade Route: The parade route in Charleston starts at the Capitol Building, goes down Kanawha Boulevard, and ends at Haddad Riverfront Park.
- Huntington Festival Route: The festival route in Huntington encompasses Pullman Square and several surrounding streets.
- Morgantown Family Fun Day Route: The Family Fun Day activities in Morgantown are centered around Waterfront Place and the adjacent Hazel Ruby McQuain Riverfront Park.
Restaurants and Pubs
- The Irish Pub on Washington Street, Charleston: Known for its authentic Irish fare and lively atmosphere, it’s a great place to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day.
- Pullman Square Restaurants, Huntington: Pullman Square offers a variety of dining options, from casual eateries to upscale restaurants.
- Mountain State Brewing Co., Morgantown: This local brewery offers a selection of craft beers and a menu of pub-style food.
Entertainment
Saint Patrick’s Day in West Virginia is filled with entertainment options. From live music performances at local pubs and restaurants to traditional Irish dancing at the festivals, there’s no shortage of entertainment. Additionally, many local theaters and cultural centers host special Saint Patrick’s Day performances.
Tips to Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day
- Wear Green: Don’t forget to wear green, the color most associated with Saint Patrick’s Day.
- Try Traditional Irish Food: Take this opportunity to try traditional Irish dishes like corned beef and cabbage or Irish stew.
- Join a Parade or Festival: Participate in a local parade or festival to fully experience the Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations.
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.
- Visit Irish Pubs: Visiting local Irish pubs and enjoying traditional Irish music and dance performances can be a lot of fun.
- Try Irish Cuisine: Trying traditional Irish dishes at local restaurants is another great way to celebrate the day.
- Attend Cultural Events: Many cultural centers and theaters host special events and performances on Saint Patrick’s Day. Attending these can be a great way to learn more about Irish culture and history.
- Participate in Fun Activities: Many events include fun activities like face painting, games, and contests. Participating in these can add to the fun of the celebrations.
Food to Eat
- Corned Beef and Cabbage: This is a traditional Irish dish that is often served on Saint Patrick’s Day.
- Irish Stew: Another traditional dish, Irish stew is hearty and delicious, perfect for a chilly March day.
- Soda Bread: This is a type of quick bread that uses baking soda as a leavening agent. It’s a staple in Irish cuisine.
- Shepherd’s Pie: This is a meat pie with a crust of mashed potato. It’s another traditional Irish dish that’s popular on Saint Patrick’s Day.
Drinks
- Irish Beer: Ireland is famous for its beer, and trying some local brews can be a great way to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day.
- Irish Whiskey: If you’re a fan of spirits, you might want to try some Irish whiskey.
- Irish Coffee: This is a cocktail made from hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and topped with cream.
- Green Drinks: Many pubs and restaurants serve green drinks on Saint Patrick’s Day. These can range from green beer to green cocktails.
Other Details
Remember, Saint Patrick’s Day is a day of celebration, so it’s important to enjoy yourself. However, it’s also important to celebrate responsibly. Make sure to plan your transportation in advance and remember to drink responsibly.
Conclusion
Saint Patrick’s Day in West Virginia is a day filled with fun, laughter, and a whole lot of green. Whether you’re participating in a parade, trying out traditional Irish food and drinks, or simply enjoying the festive atmosphere, it’s a day you won’t want to miss. So, put on your best green outfit, gather your friends and family, and join in the celebrations!
FAQs
Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated on March 17th each year.
Wearing green on Saint Patrick’s Day is a tradition that dates back to the 17th century. Green is associated with Ireland and is said to make the wearer invisible to leprechauns, who would pinch anyone they could see.
Traditional Irish food includes dishes like corned beef and cabbage, Irish stew, soda bread, and shepherd’s pie.
Events in West Virginia on Saint Patrick’s Day include parades, pub crawls, festivals, and family fun days.
