Origins:
Every March 17th, the world turns a vibrant shade of green as St Patrick’s Day rolls around. It is a joyous celebration of Irish heritage that has become a global phenomenon. Rooted in the life of St Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint, this annual event marks the anniversary of his death in 461 CE, traditionally dated to March 17th. Born in Roman Britain, 16-year-old St Patrick was kidnapped and taken to Ireland and enslaved. After escaping, he returned as a missionary, credited with bringing Christianity to the Irish through clever metaphors like using the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity. What began as a solemn religious feast in Ireland over a thousand years ago has evolved into a secular celebration of Irish culture, primarily driven by the Irish diaspora, particularly in the United States, where the first recorded parade occurred in St Augustine, Florida, in 1601. Today, St Patrick’s Day is a calendar staple worldwide, symbolizing Irish pride and a universal call to revel in community, music, and merriment.
An international celebration:
Internationally, St Patrick’s Day is a whirlwind of festive traditions, foods, drinks, and activities that bring people together in a sea of green. Parades are the centrepiece, with major cities like New York—home to the world’s largest St Patrick’s Day parade since 1762—Dublin and Tokyo hosting vibrant processions featuring marching bands, Irish dancers, and floats. Traditional foods play a starring role: corned beef and cabbage, an Irish-American staple born from immigrants’ affordable access to salt-cured meat in the U.S., is a must, often paired with roast potatoes or mashed champ (potatoes with green onions and butter). In Ireland, shepherd’s pie, a hearty dish of ground lamb and mashed potatoes, is a true classic, while Irish soda bread adds a rustic touch to the feast. Drinks flow freely—Guinness sees a global spike, with 3 million pints poured in the U.S. alone on the day, often dyed green for extra flair. Irish whiskeys, like Jameson and Baileys Irish Cream, are also favourites, with some indulging in the tradition of dunking a shamrock in a whiskey shot and tossing it over the left shoulder for luck. Community activities abound: Irish step-dancing, céilidhs (traditional music sessions), and games like egg-and-spoon races or three-legged dashes bring families together. Wearing green is non-negotiable—legend has it that it makes you invisible to pinching leprechauns, those mischievous fairies of Irish folklore, symbolizing luck and Irish ancestry.
Brisbane gears up for St Patrick’s Day:
In Brisbane, St Patrick’s Day 2025 promises to be a spirited affair, with the city embracing its Irish roots through a packed calendar of events from March 14th to 17th. The Brisbane Irish Festival starts with the St Patrick’s Day Parade on March 15th, a free spectacle beginning at the Brisbane Botanic Gardens on Alice Street. Expect over 700 participants and 40 floats celebrating the 2025 theme, “Women in Irish Song,” with vibrant displays of traditional dress, music, and dance weaving through the city centre along Margaret Street. Irish Murphy’s Brisbane hosts a four-day celebration from March 14th to 17th, featuring live music, traditional fare like corned beef and cabbage, and perfectly poured Guinness pints in a buzzing atmosphere.
A little something for everyone:
For those looking to immerse themselves further, the festival includes Irish dancing showcases, a St Patrick’s Mass at the Cathedral of St Stephen on March 17th, and even Gaelic football matches at Gaelic Park on March 23rd. Brisbane’s love for the occasion extends to its iconic pubs, where the craic (fun) is always mighty. The top three inner-city pubs to soak in the St Patrick’s Day spirit are: Irish Murphy’s (corner of George and Elizabeth Streets), a lively spot with authentic Irish vibes, live music, and hearty meals; Gilhooley’s Irish Pub & Restaurant (Albert Street), a festival sponsor known for its traditional atmosphere and extensive Irish whiskey selection; and The Charming Squire (South Bank), a modern brewpub offering Irish-inspired dishes and craft beers with a relaxed riverside vibe.
Whether you’re sipping a green pint or joining the parade, Brisbane’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations are a perfect way to paint the town green!
