Don something green.
Folks wear something green on March 17 if they celebrate the actual St Partick’s Day this year. But who is he?
Born to a Christian family in Britain, he was Maewyn Succat who was captured by raiders when 16. He was taken to Ireland as a slave where he worked as a shepherd.
After escaping and returning to Britain he later returned to Ireland as a missionary and was ordained as a priest and then became a venerated bishop. He wasn’t formally canonized but legends grew around him and his deeds. Date of death varies but it is generally agreed he died March 17, 461 AD. He wasn’t formally canonized but legends grew around him and his deeds. Date of death varies but it is generally agreed he died March 17, 461 AD.
Events
In Ireland people celebrate his day with religious services and feasts. But in Chicago this patron saint of Ireland is really celebrated each year on the previous Saturday and Sunday by dying the Chicago River green, watching the downtown parade, celebrating at the Irish Cultural Center and, of course, going to a favorite pub to drink to St. Patrick.
The big annual event starts at 12:15 p.m. at Columbus Drive and marches from Balbo to Monroe.
The Southside Irish Parade Sunday, March 15
The parade steps off at noon from 103rd and Western Avenue in the Beverly/Morgan Park neighborhood. Basically, a family-friendly event, the parade began in 1979 with a few neighborhood people but has grown to become the largest St. Patrick’s Day community-based parade in the country.
Northwestside Irish Parade Noon March 15
Goes through the Norwood Park neighborhood beginning at William J. Onahan School.
Irish American Heritage Center (near Albany Park), March 14-15
Celebrate the Irish way with food, drink and events both days. More info at IAHC/events
Sláinte
Jodie Jacobs