MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII -- St. Patrick’s Day, the Irish national holiday observed March 17, is celebrated worldwide – even here in Hawaii.
More than 34 million people in the United States claim Irish heritage, which means Saturday is going to be one big party all across the nation.
There are many ways to celebrate St. Paddy’s Day: parades, festivals and block parties are just a few.
Last year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade in Dublin, Ireland, was attended by more than 500,000. In the United States, the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade has become the largest in the world, outside Ireland.
In 2006, more than 150,000 marchers participated in the parade, which it was viewed by close to two million spectators who lined the streets. In Chicago, the river is dyed green for the celebration.
Boston was the first state to officially celebrate the holiday in 1737; and by 1852, the celebration made its way to the West Coast where it was celebrated in San Francisco.
So why is this worldwide Irish holiday celebrated in the first place?
St. Patrick, a man shrouded in myth and legend, is recognized as the Patron Saint of Ireland. Little is known about his life beyond the age-old legends, but the most popular explanation for celebrating March 17 is that he ousted all of the snakes from Ireland. This may seem odd, since scientific evidence suggests there were never snakes there to begin with. Some historians believe the snakes are nothing more than a metaphor for a druid sect, whose primary symbol was a snake.
The holiday is officially celebrated March 17 in observance of St. Patrick’s death.
Regardless of the reason, this historical holiday brings thousands of people together to celebrate a culture that has greatly influenced Americans.
The theme, of course, is “Everything Green.” Orange and white also make a significant appearance, since these are colors on the Irish flag. A little-known fact is that the original St. Patrick’s Day colors were orange and blue.
Deep in history, this festive holiday will soon have the people screaming “Erin Go Braugh” — Ireland forever — in the streets. Yes — even if they are English.
Hawaii is not exempt from celebrating this Irish-loving festival and neither is Marine Corps Base Hawaii.
Celebrations will be held at The Officers’ Club, Staff NCO Club and Kahuna’s Bar & Grill.
There will also be several events held in Honolulu and cities throughout the island.
Honolulu’s St. Patrick’s Day Block Party will close Nuuanu Avenue from King Street to Nimitz Highway, Merchant Street, from Nuuanu Avenue to Bethel Street and Marin Lane.
The parade, scheduled to start at noon from Kalakaua Avenue and end at Queen Kapiolani Park, will include 800 marchers, 50 vehicles, two floats and five bands.
For those who truly wish to get in the spirit, here is a quick list of musts for a traditional St. Paddy’s Day celebration:
- Eat corned beef and hash.
- Drink some sort of green beverage.
- Wear something green – or be prepared to be pinched.
- Kiss someone who is Irish. If you can’t find someone who is Irish, kiss someone you love.
Of course, no St. Patrick's Day would be complete without an Irish toast. "Wherever you go and whatever you do,
may the luck of the Irish be there with you."