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.
Over the years, this day has evolved into a variety of festivals across the globe, celebrating Irish culture with parades, special foods, music, dancing, and a whole lot of green. In the United States, Wisconsin holds its unique charm when it comes to celebrating this day.
Table of Events and Parades
In 2024, Wisconsin is set to host a series of events and parades to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect:
| Event Name | Location | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Dublin Irish Fest | New Dublin | March 17, 2024 | 11:00 AM |
| St. Patrick’s Day Parade | Downtown Milwaukee | March 9, 2024 | 12:00 PM |
| Shamrock Club of Wisconsin’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade | Downtown Milwaukee | March 9, 2024 | 12:00 PM |
| St. Patrick’s Day Parade | Downtown Green Bay | March 16, 2024 | 10:00 AM |
Details of Events and Parades
New Dublin Irish Fest
The New Dublin Irish Fest is a week-long celebration that transforms the town of New London into New Dublin.
The festival is filled with Irish entertainment, including traditional music, dance performances, and a variety of Irish food.
The highlight of the festival is the Grand Parade, which features elaborate floats, marching bands, and a sea of green.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Downtown Milwaukee
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Downtown Milwaukee is one of the oldest and most beloved traditions in Wisconsin.
The parade features local businesses, schools, and community groups marching down the streets of downtown Milwaukee, spreading Irish cheer. Spectators can expect to see traditional Irish dancers, bagpipers, and even some leprechauns.
Shamrock Club of Wisconsin’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The Shamrock Club of Wisconsin’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a vibrant display of Irish culture and community spirit.
The parade includes floats, marching bands, and Irish dance groups. It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Irish heritage and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Downtown Green Bay
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Downtown Green Bay is a family-friendly event that celebrates the Irish community in Green Bay.
The parade features local schools, community organizations, and businesses. It’s a fun-filled day with plenty of Irish music, dancing, and, of course, lots of green.
Specific Places to Visit
- New Dublin: For a truly Irish experience, visit the town of New London, which transforms into New Dublin for the week of St. Patrick’s Day.
- Downtown Milwaukee: The heart of the city’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, Downtown Milwaukee is a must-visit.
- Downtown Green Bay: Known for its family-friendly parade, Downtown Green Bay is a great place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the whole family.
Routes to Take
- New Dublin Irish Fest Route: The parade route starts at the high school and winds its way through downtown New Dublin.
- Downtown Milwaukee Parade Route: The parade starts on Wisconsin Avenue and continues down to Water Street.
- Downtown Green Bay Parade Route: The parade route starts on Jefferson Street and ends at the CityDeck.
Restaurants and Pubs
- County Clare Irish Pub: A Milwaukee staple, County Clare offers traditional Irish fare and a great selection of beers.
- Kitty O’Reillys Irish Pub: Located in Sturgeon Bay, Kitty O’Reillys offers a cozy atmosphere and delicious Irish food.
- St. Brendan’s Inn: In Green Bay, St. Brendan’s Inn offers a taste of Ireland with its authentic Irish menu and extensive beer list.
Entertainment
From traditional Irish music and dance performances to lively parades, there’s no shortage of entertainment during St. Patrick’s Day in Wisconsin. Be sure to check out the local pubs and restaurants for live music events.
Tips to Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day
- Wear Green: This is a must on St. Patrick’s Day. The more green, the better!
- Arrive Early for Parades: To get a good spot, arriving at least an hour before the parade starts is best.
- Try Traditional Irish Food: From corned beef and cabbage to Irish stew, be sure to try some traditional Irish dishes.
- Join in the Festivities: Don’t be shy! Join in the dancing, singing, and overall merriment.
- Respect the Culture: While it’s a day of fun, it’s also a celebration of Irish culture. Be respectful and take the time to learn about the traditions and history.
Best Things to Do
- Participate in a Parade: Join the locals in one of the many parades happening across Wisconsin. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the festive spirit.
- Visit an Irish Pub: Experience the lively atmosphere of an Irish pub. Enjoy traditional Irish music and dance performances while savoring authentic Irish food and drinks.
- Attend the New Dublin Irish Fest: This week-long festival is filled with a variety of events and activities that celebrate Irish culture.
- Explore Downtown Milwaukee: Take a stroll through downtown Milwaukee and enjoy the city’s St. Patrick’s Day decorations and festivities.
- Try Traditional Irish Food: Don’t miss the opportunity to try traditional Irish dishes like corned beef and cabbage, Irish stew, and soda bread.
Food to Eat
- Corned Beef and Cabbage: A traditional Irish dish, corned beef and cabbage is a must-try during St. Patrick’s Day.
- Irish Stew: Made with lamb, potatoes, and carrots, Irish stew is a hearty and delicious dish.
- Soda Bread: This traditional Irish bread is slightly sweet and perfect with a pat of butter.
- Shepherd’s Pie: A comforting dish made with ground meat, and vegetables, and topped with mashed potatoes.
- Irish Breakfast: Start your day with a traditional Irish breakfast, which typically includes eggs, bacon, sausage, black and white pudding, and tomatoes.
Drinks
- Irish Coffee: A warming drink made with hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and topped with cream.
- Guinness: This famous Irish stout is a favorite during St. Patrick’s Day.
- Irish Whiskey: Try some of the finest Irish whiskeys available in local pubs.
- Baileys Irish Cream: A creamy and sweet liqueur, Baileys is often enjoyed on its own or in coffee.
- Green Beer: A St. Patrick’s Day staple, green beer is simply beer dyed green.
Other Details
Remember, St. Patrick’s Day is not just about wearing green and drinking beer. It’s a cultural and religious celebration that honors the patron saint of Ireland. While enjoying the festivities, take a moment to appreciate the rich history and traditions of the Irish community in Wisconsin.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Wisconsin is an experience not to be missed.
With a variety of events and activities, delicious food and drinks, and a vibrant Irish community, it’s a celebration that truly captures the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day. So wear your best green outfit, join the parade, and enjoy the festivities!
FAQs
St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated every year on March 17th.
Wearing green is associated with Ireland’s nickname, “The Emerald Isle”, and is a way to pay tribute to Ireland.
Traditional Irish food includes dishes like corned beef and cabbage, Irish stew, and soda bread.
Events include the New Dublin Irish Fest, St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Downtown Milwaukee, Shamrock Club of Wisconsin’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Downtown Green Bay.
The New Dublin Irish Fest is a week-long celebration in New London, Wisconsin, that includes a variety of events and activities to celebrate Irish culture.