Celebrated annually on March 17th, St Patrick’s Day 2023, or the Feast of St. Patrick, or St. Paddy’s Day is a worldwide celebration of Irish culture and heritage that honours the life and death of Saint Patrick, the Patron Saint of Ireland. What began centuries ago as a religious feast day has evolved into a cultural festival over the years- a day of joy and merriment!
To truly experience the spirit of festivity, partake in green-themed parades, traditional Irish activities, vibrant parties, lush meals, and plenty of cheer with family and friends. In this blog, we’ll explore the rich history, importance of St Patrick’s Day, and its modern-day celebrations.
History of Saint Patrick’s Day
On March 17th, every year, people around the world adorn green attires and head down to the parades and celebrations commemorating the life and achievements of St. Patrick. Regarded as a symbol of Irish culture and civic pride, he continues to inspire people of all backgrounds and nationalities. Originally this festival was observed as a religious holiday, until in 1904, it became a national holiday in Ireland, marked by Irish flair, church services, exquisite feasts, and traditional music and dance.
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Who Was St. Patrick?
St. Patrick is renowned as the patron saint of Ireland. He was born in Britain in the 4th century and was captured by Irish slave raiders at the age of 16. During his six years of captivity in Ireland, he became a devout Christian. He escaped and flew back to Britain, where he studied at a monastery and became a bishop. In his dreams, he had visions of God telling him to return to Ireland and preach the gospel. Patrick devoted his life to founding churches and monasteries across Ireland and is credited with successfully introducing Christianity to the Irish people.
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When is St. Patrick’s Day in 2023?
St Patrick’s Day falls on 17 March every year, to celebrate the legacy of Ireland’s patron saint who preached Christianity to the country. Today, it marks a global celebration with green-themed festivities, fun-filled parties, parades, feasting traditional cuisines and drinks, and social events taking place all around the world.
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Is St. Patrick’s Day Always on March 17?
Yes, it is an official national holiday in the Republic of Ireland and is observed in several countries across the globe. This year it is on Friday, March 17, 2023, a long weekend to revel in the festivities.
Why is The Shamrock Associated With St. Patrick’s Day?
It is believed that Ireland’s patron saint St. Patrick used the three leaves of the shamrock to teach the concept of the Holy Trinity to his followers, and that’s why people wear the shamrock on celebrations. Although there is no factual evidence to support this folklore, the shamrock is still the country’s national symbol. It is a type of elusive clover with three leaves and is rare to find outside Ireland. Each leaf denotes one part of the Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit as one divine being- “God”.
Things To Do On St Patrick’s Day 2023 In Dubai
There are plenty of fun and exciting things to do in this majestic city. So, immerse yourself in Irish culture and cheer with the company of friends and family to mark this eccentric occasion.
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MCGETTIGAN’S
For those looking for an unparalleled experience on St. Patrick’s Day 2023, McGettigan’s offers the perfect way to celebrate the Irish holiday in style! Every year the beloved pub hosts events and brunch for the guests to revel in the Irish festivities. This year they made the headline by hosting The Ultimate St. Patrick’s Music Festival at the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, featuring the artists like The Script, The Coronas, Lea Hart and Mundy for the biggest gig in Dubai.
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- Location : DWTC, City Walk, Souk Madinat
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THE IRISH VILLAGE
Celebrate St. Paddy’s Day and cherish the memorable experience. It’s a three-day festivity with traditional music, local dancers, a bouncy castle and even a petting zoo for the little ones. Wear your best green, bring your lucky charm, and dance along to the tunes with your friends and family to join in the Irish fun!
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- Location : Al Garhoud, Dubai.
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FIBBER MAGEE’S
If you’re looking for good old-fashioned Irish fun, then heads up to Fibber Magee’s on St Patrick’s Day 2023! Serving up hot cuisines and affordable drink packages throughout the day, enjoy the live performances by famous artists. Join in the festivities and raise your glasses to toast a fantastic Irish weekend!
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- Location : Behind Saeed Tower 1, Sheikh Zayed Road
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PHILEAS FOGG’S
Kickstart your festival of St. Patrick’s Day with a bang at Phileas Foggs! A delicious brunch and incredible entertainment featuring live DJs, Irish dancers, and lucky leprechauns with their pots of gold await you. Followed by a wild evening of dance-offs, lip-sync battles, Bingo Loco, and much more.
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- Location : Montgomerie Golf Club Academy, Dubai.
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BONGO’S BINGO
Add more merriness to the festival of St. Patrick’s at Bongo’s Bingo at Zero Gravity Dubai. Compete in bingo and test your luck to win some exciting prizes and glee with special performances by bands for the ultimate experience!
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- Location : Zero Gravity, Dubai Marina
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GARDEN ON 8
Join the St. Patrick’s bash at Garden on 8 for a fun-frolic weekend! From live performances to tasty steak nights, bingo games, and quizzes, revel in the euphoria of Irish culture. With unlimited wings and three pints at a modest price, toast Paddy Day in style!
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Location : Media One Hotel, Media City
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Jumeirah Golf Estates
For a bespoke ambience visit the Earth Terrace at Jumeirah Golf Estates. Indulge yourself in scrumptious meals and drinks while livening up the festive spirit with music, dance, and other entertaining activities.
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- Location : Earth Terrace at Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai.
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MCCAFFERTY’S
If you’re up for a spectacular brunch experience, lookout for the McCafferty’s Irish Pub, offering traditional Irish dishes and free-flowing drinks while you groove on the toe-tapping music of The Reel Shindig.
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- Location : Jumeirah Village, Dubai
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THE DUBLINERS
Dubliner hosts celebratory events every year on St. Patrick’s Day! Put on your best emerald outfit and get a 25% discount on the bill as you enjoy the cultural dances, drinks, and more on an extravagant night at the best Irish pubs in Dubai!
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- Location : Le Meridien Dubai Hotel, Dubai.
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Green Day
Embrace the Irish heritage and solemnise St. Paddy’s Day with a bang! Don your finest green clothing, and hold the shamrocks to cherish the spirit of festivity and St. Patrick. From baking treats to colourful decorations, hosting parties or weekend trips, gather your best pals and raise a glass to this lively gala!
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Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)
Yes, it is celebrated with much fervour in Dubai, with several restaurants, pubs, bars and beach clubs hosting events and exciting festivities. In addition, the city's most iconic landmarks, including the Palm Fountain, Palm Monorail, and more, will be lit up in a vibrant shade of green, adding to the merriness of the occasion.
If you want to relish the classic Irish feasts, such as stew, bangers and mash, cottage pie, or sip shamrock shakes, then there are some popular spots to look out for, like McGettigan’s JLT and Irish Village that give you a nostalgic treat.
No, it is not an official holiday! However, those residing in the Emirates displayed their love for St. Patrick’s Day more outrageously by lighting their landmarks spots green: the Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa, the Palm Fountains at The Point, and the Great Arch.
The festival marks the death anniversary of the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick, who spread Christianity among the Irish people and enlightened the people with the concept of the Holy Trinity.
Shamrock means summer plant. It is the national symbol of Ireland, used by the patron saint, St. Patrick to explain the Holy Trinity concept to the Irish people. Does Dubai celebrate St. Patrick’s Day?
Where can you get Irish food in Dubai?
Is St Patrick's Day a holiday in Dubai?
What is the real reason for St. Patrick's Day?
What does shamrock mean?