SAINT PATRICK'S DAY is a public, religious and patriotic national holiday throughout Ireland. It is an occasion for religious ceremonies, going to mass or other denominational church services, wearing the shamrock, watching rugby and gaelic football matches and attending cultural parades in most towns. Even the large parade in Dublin is a small affair; most prominent public representatives and politicians, including the Irish Taoiseach, are in Washington to attend the American President's celebration. There are pilgrimages made to Armagh, Saul, Downpatrick and Slemish which are all places associated with the saint. Many of these places will also rededicate the holy wells and shrines of Saint Patrick.
Today, however, Saint Patrick's Day is also celebrated throughout the world. There are parades in cities across Canada, Australia, Africa, Southern America and in many European capitals. The parades are secular, communal celebrations where the Saint and his life are only a small part of the occasion. The major celebrations are held in American cities and are closely linked to the nineteenth century Irish peasantry observances of Saint Patrick's Day. Between 1801 and 1921, more than eight million people emigrated from Ireland. Most of the emigrants settled in USA, in the cities of Boston, New York, Chicago and Philadelphia.
Overall, the day is a healthy mix of secular and religious events commemorating the life and work of Saint Patrick, and recognising his great love of Ireland and the Irish people. It is also a day in which Irish people can indulge in and express their sense of identity and achievement.
