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(more) # St. Patrick’s Day feast day Homework Help Written and fact-checked by [Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....](https://www.britannica.com/editor/The-Editors-of-Encyclopaedia-Britannica/4419) Britannica Editors Last updated Apr. 6, 2026 •[History](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Saint-Patricks-Day/additional-info#history)  Britannica AI Ask Anything Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask Anything Top Questions ### What is St. Patrick’s Day? St. Patrick’s Day is held annually on March 17, the feast day of [St. Patrick](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Patrick), a patron saint of [Ireland](https://www.britannica.com/place/Ireland). Originally observed with religious feasts and services, St. Patrick’s Day became a secular celebration of Irish culture when it reached the United States alongside Irish immigrants. Parades are held on the day, and people commonly wear something green—such as an item of green clothing or a [shamrock](https://www.britannica.com/plant/shamrock), a national symbol of Ireland, worn on the lapel. [Corned beef](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Why-Do-People-Eat-Corned-Beef-on-St-Patricks-Day) and [cabbage](https://www.britannica.com/plant/Brassica-oleracea) are associated with the holiday, and even [beer](https://www.britannica.com/topic/beer) is sometimes dyed green to celebrate the day. ### When is St. Patrick’s Day celebrated? St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated annually on March 17, the anniversary of [St. Patrick](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Patrick)’s death in 461. ### What is the origin of St. Patrick’s Day? St. Patrick’s Day was originally celebrated in Ireland with religious services and feasts in honor of [St. Patrick](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Patrick), one of Ireland’s [patron saints](https://www.britannica.com/topic/patron-saint). When Irish immigrants brought St. Patrick’s Day traditions to the United States, the day evolved into a secular celebration of Irish culture. ### Who was St. Patrick? [St. Patrick](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Patrick) was a 5th-century missionary to [Ireland](https://www.britannica.com/place/Ireland) who is credited with bringing [Christianity](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Christianity) to Ireland. He became a legendary figure by the end of the 7th century and is considered a [patron saint](https://www.britannica.com/topic/patron-saint) of Ireland. Born in Roman Britain in the late 4th century, he was kidnapped at the age of 16 and taken to Ireland as an enslaved person. He escaped but returned about 432 ce to convert the Irish to Christianity. By the time of his death on March 17, 461, he had established monasteries, churches, and schools. Many legends grew up around him—for example, that he drove the snakes out of Ireland and used the [shamrock](https://www.britannica.com/plant/shamrock) to explain the [Trinity](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Trinity-Christianity). Patrick’s feast day is commemorated on March 17 with both religious traditions such as church services and secular festivities such as parades. Known as [St. Patrick’s Day](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Saint-Patricks-Day), its fame and celebration in many countries around the world is a testament to Ireland’s long history of emigration. ## News • [Keansburg, N.J., parades now in doubt due to recent discovery of suspicious device](https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/keansburg-new-jersey-st-patricks-day-parade-suspicious-device/) • Mar. 31, 2026, 7:10 PM ET (CBS) ...(Show more) [What if the bar came to you on St. Patrick's Day? These mini Irish pubs make it a reality](https://www.britannica.com/news/858491/1419accad22d40f980e6ba0ad6b38812) • Mar. 17, 2026, 2:27 PM ET (AP) [Boston celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with one of nation’s largest Irish heritage events](https://www.britannica.com/news/858491/249063fa73ddbf10d952a407776f3f28) • Mar. 15, 2026, 4:43 PM ET (AP) Show less **St. Patrick’s Day**, [holiday](https://www.britannica.com/topic/holiday) honoring [St. Patrick](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Patrick), patron [saint](https://www.britannica.com/topic/saint/Saints-in-Western-religions#ref34119) of [Ireland](https://www.britannica.com/place/Ireland). It is held annually on March 17, which is St. Patrick’s [feast](https://www.britannica.com/topic/feast-religion) day. Originally observed with religious services and feasts, the day was later transformed by emigrants—particularly to the United States—into a largely [secular](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/secular) holiday that celebrates all things Irish. ## Who was St. Patrick? Born in [Roman Britain](https://www.britannica.com/place/Roman-Britain) in the late 4th century, he was kidnapped at age 16 and taken to [Ireland](https://www.britannica.com/place/Ireland-island) as an enslaved person. He escaped but returned about 432 ce to convert the Irish to [Christianity](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Christianity). By the time of his death on March 17, 461, he had established [monasteries](https://www.britannica.com/topic/monastery), [churches](https://www.britannica.com/topic/church-Christianity), and schools. Many [legends](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legends) grew up around him—for example, that he drove the [snakes](https://www.britannica.com/animal/snake) out of Ireland and used the [shamrock](https://www.britannica.com/plant/shamrock) to explain the [Trinity](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Trinity-Christianity). Related Topics: [United States](https://www.britannica.com/place/United-States) [Why Do We Wear Green on St. Patrick’s Day?](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Why-Do-We-Wear-Green-on-St-Patricks-Day) [Why Do People Eat Corned Beef on St. Patrick’s Day?](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Why-Do-People-Eat-Corned-Beef-on-St-Patricks-Day) [Why Is St. Patrick’s Day Celebrated on March 17?](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Why-Is-St-Patricks-Day-Celebrated-on-March-17th) [St. Patrick’s Day](https://www.britannica.com/story/st-patricks-day) *(Show more)* [See all related content](https://www.britannica.com/facts/Saint-Patricks-Day) ## Traditions [1 of 4](https://cdn.britannica.com/71/231371-050-2B0DAB25/Color-guard-twirls-flags-St-Patricks-Day-New-York-City-March-17-2017.jpg) [St. Patrick's Day](https://cdn.britannica.com/71/231371-050-2B0DAB25/Color-guard-twirls-flags-St-Patricks-Day-New-York-City-March-17-2017.jpg)A St. Patrick's Day parade in New York City, 2017. (more) [2 of 4](https://www.britannica.com/video/did-you-know-Saint-Patricks-Day/-253719) What is the Origin of St. Patrick's Day?St. Patrick's Day is celebrated annually on March 17. (more) [See all videos for this article](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Saint-Patricks-Day/images-videos) [3 of 4](https://www.britannica.com/video/Who-was-Saint-Patrick/-253720) Who Was the Real St. Patrick?Did St. Patrick really bring Christianity to Ireland? (more) [See all videos for this article](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Saint-Patricks-Day/images-videos) [4 of 4](https://www.britannica.com/video/Ireland-origins-who-are-the-Irish-people-history-culture/-247678) How Many Americans Have Irish Ancestry?So you're Irish! What does that mean? (more) [See all videos for this article](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Saint-Patricks-Day/images-videos) It was emigrants, particularly to the [United States](https://www.britannica.com/place/United-States), who transformed St. Patrick’s Day into a largely secular holiday of revelry and celebration of things [Irish](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Irish-people). Cities with large numbers of Irish immigrants, who often wielded political power, staged the most extensive celebrations, which included elaborate parades. [Boston](https://www.britannica.com/place/Boston) held its first St. Patrick’s Day parade in 1737, followed by [New York City](https://www.britannica.com/place/New-York-City) in 1762. Since 1962 [Chicago](https://www.britannica.com/place/Chicago) has colored its [river](https://www.britannica.com/place/Chicago-River) green to mark the holiday. (Although blue was the color traditionally associated with St. Patrick, green is now commonly connected with the day.) Irish and non-Irish alike commonly participate in the “wearing of the green”—sporting an item of green clothing or a shamrock, the Irish national plant, in the lapel. [Corned beef](https://www.britannica.com/topic/corned-beef) and [cabbage](https://www.britannica.com/plant/Brassica-oleracea) are associated with the holiday, and even [beer](https://www.britannica.com/topic/beer) is sometimes dyed green to celebrate the day. Although some of these practices eventually were adopted by the Irish themselves, they did so largely for the benefit of tourists. [ Britannica Quiz The Irish Quiz](https://www.britannica.com/quiz/the-irish-quiz) [The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/editor/The-Editors-of-Encyclopaedia-Britannica/4419)This article was most recently revised and updated by [Amy Tikkanen](https://www.britannica.com/editor/Amy-Tikkanen/6393). Britannica AI *chevron\_right* Saint Patrick’s Day *close* [AI-generated answers](https://www.britannica.com/about-britannica-ai) from Britannica articles. AI makes mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles. [Why Is St. Patrick’s Day Celebrated on March 17?](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Why-Is-St-Patricks-Day-Celebrated-on-March-17th) [Introduction](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Why-Is-St-Patricks-Day-Celebrated-on-March-17th) [References & Edit History](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Why-Is-St-Patricks-Day-Celebrated-on-March-17th/additional-info) [Related Topics](https://www.britannica.com/facts/Why-Is-St-Patricks-Day-Celebrated-on-March-17th) [Images](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Why-Is-St-Patricks-Day-Celebrated-on-March-17th/images-videos) [](https://cdn.britannica.com/02/137302-050-92EF8FC1/Saint-Patricks-Day-parade-Boston-Massachusetts-2008.jpg)  Contents Ask Anything [Philosophy & Religion](https://www.britannica.com/browse/Philosophy-Religion) [Religious Beliefs](https://www.britannica.com/browse/Religious-Beliefs) CITE Share Feedback External Websites [](https://cdn.britannica.com/02/137302-050-92EF8FC1/Saint-Patricks-Day-parade-Boston-Massachusetts-2008.jpg) [Honoring St. Patrick](https://cdn.britannica.com/02/137302-050-92EF8FC1/Saint-Patricks-Day-parade-Boston-Massachusetts-2008.jpg) A parade participant dressed as St. Patrick waves to crowds in Boston, Massachusetts, on March 17. Boston first held a St. Patrick's Day Parade in 1737. (more) # Why Is St. Patrick’s Day Celebrated on March 17? Homework Help Written and fact-checked by [Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....](https://www.britannica.com/editor/The-Editors-of-Encyclopaedia-Britannica/4419) Britannica Editors Last updated Mar. 16, 2026 •[History](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Why-Is-St-Patricks-Day-Celebrated-on-March-17th/additional-info#history)  Britannica AI Ask Anything Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask Anything ## News • [What if the bar came to you on St. Patrick's Day? These mini Irish pubs make it a reality](https://www.britannica.com/news/2270413/1419accad22d40f980e6ba0ad6b38812) • Mar. 17, 2026, 2:27 PM ET (AP) ...(Show more) [Boston celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with one of nation’s largest Irish heritage events](https://www.britannica.com/news/2270413/249063fa73ddbf10d952a407776f3f28) • Mar. 15, 2026, 4:43 PM ET (AP) Show less [St. Patrick’s Day](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Saint-Patricks-Day) is celebrated on March 17 because, according to [legend](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legend), it marks the death of [St. Patrick](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Patrick), the [patron saint](https://www.britannica.com/topic/patron-saint) of [Ireland](https://www.britannica.com/place/Ireland). St. Patrick, originally from [Roman Britain](https://www.britannica.com/place/Roman-Britain), was kidnapped, enslaved, and brought to Ireland at the age of 16. After escaping and making his way back to Britain, he returned to Ireland around 432 ce to spread [Christianity](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Christianity). His efforts led to the establishment of numerous monasteries, churches, and schools across Ireland. While the exact date of his death isn’t known, by the time he died, perhaps in 461, he had significantly influenced the religious landscape of the country. Initially, St. Patrick’s Day was a religious [feast](https://www.britannica.com/topic/feast-religion) day in Ireland, marked by church services and feasts. However, Irish immigrants, particularly in the [United States](https://www.britannica.com/place/United-States), transformed it into a more [secular](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/secular) celebration. This shift included parades, the wearing of green, and other festivities that highlighted Irish [culture](https://www.britannica.com/topic/culture) and heritage. The first St. Patrick’s Day parade was held in Boston in 1737, followed by [New York City](https://www.britannica.com/place/New-York-City) in 1762. Related Topics: [St. Patrick’s Day](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Saint-Patricks-Day) *(Show more)* [See all related content](https://www.britannica.com/facts/Why-Is-St-Patricks-Day-Celebrated-on-March-17th) In Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day remains a religious occasion, often observed with prayers for peace. However, the secular aspects of the celebration, including parades, have been adopted in Ireland as well, largely to attract tourists. The [holiday](https://www.britannica.com/topic/holiday) has become a global celebration of Irish [culture](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/culture), with people of all backgrounds participating in the festivities. [The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/editor/The-Editors-of-Encyclopaedia-Britannica/4419) Britannica AI *chevron\_right* Why Is St. Patrick’s Day Celebrated on March 17? *close* [AI-generated answers](https://www.britannica.com/about-britannica-ai) from Britannica articles. AI makes mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles. Load Next Page Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. *print* Print Please select which sections you would like to print: *verified*Cite While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Select Citation Style Britannica Editors. "St. Patrick’s Day". *Encyclopedia Britannica*, 6 Apr. 2026, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Saint-Patricks-Day. Accessed 11 April 2026. Copy Citation Share Share to social media [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/BRITANNICA/) [X](https://x.com/britannica) URL <https://www.britannica.com/topic/Saint-Patricks-Day> External Websites - [CBS News - Why do we celebrate St. Patrick's Day? Here's what the holiday is all about](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/why-we-celebrate-st-patricks-day/) - [American University of Health Sciences - The History of St. Patrick's Day](https://www.auhs.edu/articles/st-patricks-day/) - [Independent - What is the meaning behind St Patrick�s Day?](https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/st-patricks-day-2024-history-b2512960.html) - [NBC News - 5 Fun Facts About St. Patrick's Day](https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna51214429) Britannica Websites Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. - [Saint Patrick’s Day - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11)](https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/Saint-Patricks-Day/400170) - [Saint Patrick’s Day - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)](https://kids.britannica.com/students/article/Saint-Patricks-Day/490013) Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. *verified*Cite While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Select Citation Style Britannica Editors. "Why Is St. Patrick’s Day Celebrated on March 17?". *Encyclopedia Britannica*, 16 Mar. 2026, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Why-Is-St-Patricks-Day-Celebrated-on-March-17th. Accessed 11 April 2026. Copy Citation Share Share to social media [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/BRITANNICA/) [X](https://x.com/britannica) URL <https://www.britannica.com/topic/Why-Is-St-Patricks-Day-Celebrated-on-March-17th>

Top Questions ### What is St. Patrick’s Day? ### When is St. Patrick’s Day celebrated? ### What is the origin of St. Patrick’s Day? ### Who was St. Patrick? ## News • **St. Patrick’s Day**, [holiday](https://www.britannica.com/topic/holiday) honoring [St. Patrick](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Patrick), patron [saint](https://www.britannica.com/topic/saint/Saints-in-Western-religions#ref34119) of [Ireland](https://www.britannica.com/place/Ireland). It is held annually on March 17, which is St. Patrick’s [feast](https://www.britannica.com/topic/feast-religion) day. Originally observed with religious services and feasts, the day was later transformed by emigrants—particularly to the United States—into a largely [secular](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/secular) holiday that celebrates all things Irish. ## Who was St. Patrick? Born in [Roman Britain](https://www.britannica.com/place/Roman-Britain) in the late 4th century, he was kidnapped at age 16 and taken to [Ireland](https://www.britannica.com/place/Ireland-island) as an enslaved person. He escaped but returned about 432 ce to convert the Irish to [Christianity](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Christianity). By the time of his death on March 17, 461, he had established [monasteries](https://www.britannica.com/topic/monastery), [churches](https://www.britannica.com/topic/church-Christianity), and schools. Many [legends](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legends) grew up around him—for example, that he drove the [snakes](https://www.britannica.com/animal/snake) out of Ireland and used the [shamrock](https://www.britannica.com/plant/shamrock) to explain the [Trinity](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Trinity-Christianity). It was emigrants, particularly to the [United States](https://www.britannica.com/place/United-States), who transformed St. Patrick’s Day into a largely secular holiday of revelry and celebration of things [Irish](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Irish-people). Cities with large numbers of Irish immigrants, who often wielded political power, staged the most extensive celebrations, which included elaborate parades. [Boston](https://www.britannica.com/place/Boston) held its first St. Patrick’s Day parade in 1737, followed by [New York City](https://www.britannica.com/place/New-York-City) in 1762. Since 1962 [Chicago](https://www.britannica.com/place/Chicago) has colored its [river](https://www.britannica.com/place/Chicago-River) green to mark the holiday. (Although blue was the color traditionally associated with St. Patrick, green is now commonly connected with the day.) Irish and non-Irish alike commonly participate in the “wearing of the green”—sporting an item of green clothing or a shamrock, the Irish national plant, in the lapel. [Corned beef](https://www.britannica.com/topic/corned-beef) and [cabbage](https://www.britannica.com/plant/Brassica-oleracea) are associated with the holiday, and even [beer](https://www.britannica.com/topic/beer) is sometimes dyed green to celebrate the day. Although some of these practices eventually were adopted by the Irish themselves, they did so largely for the benefit of tourists. [ Britannica Quiz The Irish Quiz](https://www.britannica.com/quiz/the-irish-quiz) [AI-generated answers](https://www.britannica.com/about-britannica-ai) from Britannica articles. AI makes mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.