St. Patrick's Day in Australia

St. Patrick’s Day is just one of the several festivals celebrated around the land down under, Australia, in the month of March. At one point in the early history of Australia, people from Ireland dominated the settlements resulting to almost a tenth of the Australian population being of Irish descent in present times. That is the reason why Irish influences and cultures are still present and are continuing to grow and flourish in the country until today.

Every year St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated in commemoration of Ireland’s patron saint, on the 17^th of March not only in Ireland but also in several localities around the world, including Australia. In a legend, St. Patrick was said to explain the concept of Holy Trinity of Christianity to Irish pagans during the early middle ages using a shamrock as a symbolic representation.

St. Patrick’s Day usually kicks off in Australia days before the date of the feast. Colorful floats, wonderful music from the bag pipes of Irish live marching bands and spectacular choreographies from different performing dance troupes fill every corner of the City of Sydney roads. The parade traditionally starts its route at noon from Liverpool Street, passing by the Sydney Town Hall and wrapping up at George Street.

St. Patrick’s Day festivities continue at the Hyde Park where families gather and celebrate the holiday in good music and non-stop dancing. Some fountains around the country shoot green colored water and the famous Sydney Opera House is as well covered in green lights during the festival. Thousands of people around the city wear green shirts, green hats, green shoes and pants, and neon green wigs, fake beards and moustache, while some are dressed in leprechaun costume.

You should not miss drinking a mug or two of Guinness, a St. Patrick’s Day trademark alcoholic beverage in Irish pubs and bars. Irish specialties and delicacies as well as green colored foods and drinks also go on trend in Irish restaurants and even in family dining tables during the celebration. St. Patrick’s Day celebration is a festive merriment that lasts till the next day’s dawn.