Are you looking for a way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Georgia? If so, here are a few options along with some background information surrounding the history of each celebration.
Most people are familiar with Saint Patrick’s Day and what it is, but most do not know why it is celebrated. The holiday originated in Ireland, and it has been observed as a religious holiday in their country for over 1,000 years. It is observed in honor of St. Patrick, the first patron saint of Ireland. Celebratory practices include parades, eating special food, music and dancing.
So where in Georgia are the biggest annual celebrations held? The most notable St. Patrick’s day festivities held in the Peach State are in Savannah. The parade consists of Irish heritage, marching bands, dancers and floats. It is the third largest parade in America only trailing those in New York and Chicago, and is held each year in the streets of Savannah.
The first major public observance of St. Patrick’s Day in Savannah was in 1824. Citizens of Savannah were invited to celebrate at the Roman Catholic Church, and to have a Feast of St. Patrick through a notice by the Hibernian Society written in the local newspaper. You can find out more about this year’s celebration by clicking here.
Another notable parade includes one which is held on Peachtree Street in Midtown Atlanta. Atlanta’s parade is deemed as “family friendly,” which includes clowns, floats, bands, bagpipes, dancers and drill teams. The parade is one of the longest running ones in the country, and has been held annually since 1858. You can find out more about the Atlanta parade by following this link.
Other Georgia counties who annually hold St. Patrick’s day celebrations include Blue Ridge, Buford, Dublin and Smyrna. Lastly for annual runs and walks, several are held each year in the metro Atlanta area including 5Ks in Fayetteville, Midtown Atlanta and Marietta.
This is only a very small sample size of countless St. Patrick’s Day festivities held year round all around the state. There is no doubt the Irish holiday is well celebrated not only in Georgia, but nationwide as well.
