“Image Credit: Anadolu via Getty Images St. Patrick’s Day, known for its green colors, shamrocks, and Guinness, is celebrated annually on March 17th. It is widely recognized in countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and of course, Ireland. This year, the Irish Prime Minister, or Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, visited the White”, — write: hollywoodlife.com
Image Credit: Anadolu via Getty Images St. Patrick’s Day, known for its green colors, shamrocks, and Guinness, is celebrated annually on March 17th. It is widely recognized in countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and of course, Ireland. This year, the Irish Prime Minister, or Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, visited the White House on March 12 to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.
St. Patty’s Day is famously associated with partying and drinking, with many people—regardless of Irish descent—participating in the festivities. This often leads to the question: Is St. Patrick’s Day a federal holiday?
Find out more below.
What Is St. Patrick’s Day? St. Patrick’s Day is actually a celebration of St. Patrick, a 5th-century Christian missionary and the patron saint of Ireland.
Born in Roman Britain, he was kidnapped by Irish pirates at the age of sixteen and taken to Ireland as a slave. After escaping and returning home, he later returned to Ireland as a missionary to spread Christianity. St. Patrick is credited with converting the Irish to Christianity and is famously associated with driving snakes out of Ireland, though this is believed to be symbolic.
St. Patrick is said to have died on March 17, a date recognized by the church, but the exact year of his death remains unclear.
Is St. Patrick’s Day a Federal Holiday? St. Patrick’s Day is not a federal holiday in the United States.
While it is widely celebrated across the country with parades, parties, and cultural events, it does not qualify as an official holiday that results in a day off for employees, unless it falls on a weekend. However, it is a public holiday in some U.S. states and cities, especially in areas with large Irish-American communities.
Are Businesses Closed on St. Patrick’s Day? Since St. Patrick’s Day is not a federal holiday, businesses will remain open, and you may see more people out enjoying the festivities in various ways. However, many streets in different cities may be closed for parades.
In New York City, the St. Patrick’s Day parade will start on Fifth Avenue at 44th Street and finish at 79th Street. If you’re planning to drive, it’s best to plan accordingly due to road closures along the parade route.