Ah, the Saint Patrick ! This day blessed by the gods when everyone, or almost everyone, feels a little Irish. But behind this sea of green and these streams of beer, there is a whole fascinating history and traditions that deserve to be told. And who better than me, passionate about writing and in love with everything related to Ireland and its legends, to delve with you into the mysteries of the feast of the Saint Patrick ?
The history and symbols of Saint Patrick’s Day
Before you start preparing your Dublin or Cork-style aperitif, do you really know who was Saint Patrick ? Good old Pat, for those close to me, was none other than Maewyn Succat, her real name. Captured by pirates at the age of 16 and sold into slavery in Ireland, he ended up becoming the patron saint of the Island thanks to his incredible journey. Following his captivity, he escaped, became a priest and then converted Ireland to Christianity, reputedly using a shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity. History doesn’t say if he was as passionate about wine as I was, but one thing is certain, he knew how to make an impression!
This festival, in his honor, combines some very interesting symbols: the three-leaf clover obviously, but also the color green, a symbol of renewal, and leprechauns, these mischievous little beings from Irish folklore. It even seems that if you don’t wear green on the big day, you risk getting pinched by an invisible leprechaun! I tested it for you, and even if people thought I was crazy in the streets of Bordeaux, to try it is to adopt it, believe Julien!
The international celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day
And yes, the Saint Patrick is not limited to the green meadows of Ireland. It would be a poor understanding of the Irish to think that they would keep this celebration to themselves. The largest St. Patrick’s Day parades are in New York, where the parade attracts more than two million people each year. And that’s not all, in Chicago, they even dye the river green! Personally, I have not yet had the pleasure of attending these celebrations across the Atlantic, but it is at the top of my list of experiences to live. Perhaps even before discovering the best crémants, that’s saying something!
And let’s talk about the party in Dublin! For five days, the city is in turmoil: concerts, theater, street dancing, and of course, fireworks. In this festive atmosphere, it’s hard not to get carried away by the excitement. Besides, if you’re interested, why not organize your own version of the party? On Apéro Bordeaux, I share all kinds of advice for a successful event.
It would also be suspicious not to mention that St. Patrick’s Day is also the perfect excuse to enjoy unlimited beer. Guinness, Murphy’s, Beamish… So many names that resonate like the sweet song of a promise of good humor. But, as a good Bordeaux resident, allow me to remind you that a Crémant de Loire can also do wonders to celebrate this day!
St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in a world filled with legends, exciting stories, and fascinating customs. I leave you with this thought: behind each tradition there is a story, and behind each shared drink, a moment of conviviality. Isn’t that, after all, the very essence of life? So, let’s raise a glass to Saint Patrick, but let’s not forget to take a look at our friends the Crémant from Lidl, because at home, as a Bordeaux lover that I am, any excuse is good to celebrate!