SAN ANTONIO – St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated on March 17 every year.
Parades, green beer and little green men are associated with the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day but do you know the history behind it?
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St. Patrick was a fifth-century Christian missionary and bishop in Ireland. He explained the Holy Trinity using three-leaved shamrocks, which we now associate with the Irish-based tradition.
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Watch the video below for a full explanation on the history of St. Patrick’s Day.
For the kids
Making a leprechaun trap is a great activity to share with your kids this St. Patrick’s Day. All you need to get started is something shiny to lure the little men.
The traps can be as simple as a shoe box, or as elaborate as you want. Nobody has caught anything yet, but there’s always a first time.
10 things you didn’t know about leprechauns
Celebrities weigh in
Everybody is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, which must make it a living hell for Irish Immigration officials.
— Conan O'Brien (@ConanOBrien) March 17, 2014
Happy st Patricks day everyone, especially all my fellow Irish out there! Many pints of guiness will be had today I can Imagine
— Niall Horan (@NiallOfficial) March 17, 2014
Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!! True story: I'm named after County Kerry in Ireland. #AnnualIrishTweet
— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) March 17, 2014
Where to celebrate in San Antonio
Local bars around the city will be running specials and hosting parties with live bands.
Saturday, March 19, University of the Incarnate Word will be hosting the Harp & Shamrock Irish Festival.
Festivities start at noon with a St. Patrick’s Day parade, followed by a performance from San Antonio Pipes & Drums.
More performances will take place throughout the day until the festival ends at 8 p.m. Other acts include the Kelly Singers, Sean Orr and Celtic Texas.
Finishing out the festival is Black Irish Texas, an Irish-influenced, party, rockabilly punk band from Austin. They have shared the stage with such International acts as Dropkick Murphys, Flogging Molly and Social Distortion.
Wear green and be safe
It’s tradition to pinch people who don’t wear green on St. Patrick’s Day. It’s also traditionally a day people drink green beer, among other things.
Find a sober ride, do not drink and drive.
• Yellow Cab San Antonio – 210-222-2222
• AAA Taxi – 210-599-9999
• Download the Uber application to your smart phone