Saint Patrick's Day is a religious and cultural holiday held on 17 March, the traditional death date of Saint Patrick, the foremost patron saint of Ireland. It commemorates his role in bringing Christianity to Ireland and, more broadly, honours Irish heritage and culture. It is observed by several Christian churches, and it is a public holiday in parts of Ireland, Northern Ireland and other places with large Irish communities. It is celebrated in more countries than any other national festival.
Saint Patrick
Patrick was a 5th-century Christian missionary and bishop in Ireland. Most knowledge of him comes from a text called the Declaration, which is traditionally attributed to him. It describes how he was born into a wealthy Romano-British family, was taken as a slave to Ireland as a teenager, and later escaped and became a priest. Tradition holds that he returned to convert the Irish, and that he died on 17 March and was buried at Downpatrick. Over the following centuries legends grew around him, and he became Ireland's foremost saint.
Celebrations and traditions
Celebrations usually include public parades and festivals, traditional Irish music sessions, and the wearing of green clothing or shamrocks. Churchgoers attend services, and because Lenten restrictions on alcohol are lifted for the day, drinking has become a prominent part of the festivities. Many modern customs were shaped by the Irish diaspora, especially in North America, and since 2010 many landmarks worldwide have been lit up in green for the occasion.
Criticism
Saint Patrick's Day celebrations have drawn criticism for becoming too commercialised, for their close association with drinking culture, and for fostering negative stereotypes of the Irish people.