Happy St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick's Day, a globally renowned holiday celebrated every 17th March, honors Ireland's patron saint and rich culture. Festivities are held worldwide, including Denver! This article delves into the holiday's history and traditions while sharing some exciting things to do in Denver to celebrate the holiday.

The Origin of St. Patrick's Day

The story behind St. Patrick's Day goes all the way back to the beginning of the 1600s when it was officially marked as a religious holiday in memory of St. Patrick, the beloved Irish patron saint. St. Patrick hailed from Britain, born in the late 4th century.

At the young age of 16, Irish raiders abducted him and forced him into slavery on Irish land. St. Patrick served as a shepherd, and in that season of solitude, he discovered solace and contentment in the Christian faith.

Six years into his captivity, St. Patrick managed to flee and journey back to his homeland, Britain. There, he was welcomed as a priest, but he sensed divine guidance to retrace his steps to Ireland and spread the Christian message among the Irish.

As a result, he dedicated the rest of his days to exploring Ireland, delivering sermons, and administering baptism to those who had embraced the faith. Folklore has it that he employed the shamrock as a symbol to illustrate the Holy Trinity to the people of Ireland.

St. Patrick's Day was initially a serious religious event in Ireland, where people attended church and avoided alcohol. The festival only became more lively and secular as the Irish diaspora brought Irish culture all over the world. Nowadays, St. Patrick's Day is celebrated as a day of merriment and rejoicing with festivals, parades, and various activities that feature Irish cuisine, music, and dance.

One of the most well-known symbols of St. Patrick's Day is the color green. The custom comes from the verdant hills and landscapes of Ireland, and it is now a widespread emblem of this festive occasion. Additionally, many individuals don green clothes or accessories during this holiday, and a few even choose to dye their hair or beards green.

Things to Do in Denver for St. Patrick's Day

Denver, Colorado, is an excellent locale for reveling in the excitement of St. Patrick's Day. With a sizable Irish-American community, a host of engaging events and activities await. Check out these top-notch ideas for celebrating the holiday in the Mile High City:

1.  Attend the St. Patrick's Day Parade

The Denver St. Patrick's Day Parade is a highly anticipated event, attracting a massive crowd year after year. It celebrates the rich Irish heritage with a vibrant display of performers, including marching bands, floats, dancers, and other performers, filling the streets with music and excitement.

The route of the parade meanders through downtown Denver from the intersection of 19th and Wynkoop streets, culminating at 27th and Blake streets. People can relish in a spectacle of bagpipe musicians, Irish dancers, vintage vehicles, and sensational floats.

A notable aspect of the parade is the Grand Marshal, who spearheads the procession each year. This coveted role usually falls on an esteemed member of the Irish-American community in Denver, recognized for their enormous contributions to the city and commitment to preserving the cherished Irish traditions.

2.  Visit Irish Pubs and Bars

To fully embrace the spirit of St. Patrick's Day in Denver, a visit to the Irish pubs and bars is a must. These establishments harmoniously fuse Irish charm and American vibes, providing an excellent setting for holiday celebrations.

One of the main highlights of these establishments is the live music, with many of the best Irish pubs in Denver showcasing traditional Irish melodies. Guests are treated to musicians strumming fiddles, flutes, and other instruments, creating a lively and captivating atmosphere. These performances often include sing-alongs, dancing and other engaging elements, giving revelers a fantastic way to truly enjoy St. Patrick's Day.

Of course, no visit to an Irish pub would be complete without trying some traditional Irish food and drink. Many Irish pubs and bars in Denver offer classic dishes like corned beef and cabbage, shepherd's pie, and fish and chips, along with a wide selection of Irish beers and whiskeys. Whether you're a fan of dark stouts, light lagers, or something in between, there's sure to be a drink that suits your taste.

Irish pubs and bars are more than just tunes and grub; they provide a strong sense of camaraderie and community. Whether celebrating with new friends or old, the vibe is hospitable and welcoming as everyone joins in on the festivities.

Denver boasts some of the top Irish hangouts, such as The Irish Snug, renowned for its snug setting and vast assortment of Irish whiskeys. Nallen's Irish Pub, a 25-year-old Denver mainstay with nightly live music and The Celtic on Market, offers a contemporary spin on classic Irish pubbing.

All in all, visiting Irish pubs and bars is a must-do activity when celebrating St. Patrick's Day in Denver. With live music, delicious food and drink, and a sense of community and camaraderie, these establishments offer a unique and festive way to enjoy the holiday. So grab a pint, pull up a stool, and raise a toast to St. Patrick and the Irish heritage that is celebrated throughout the city.

3.  Attend a Concert

Attending a St. Patrick's Day event in Denver is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the vibrant musical history of Ireland. Regardless of whether you prefer traditional Irish melodies or more modern renditions, there is an abundance of talented musicians to listen to during this festive occasion.

An advantage of attending St. Patrick's Day celebrations in Denver is the opportunity to experience live performances by hometown bands and musicians, showcasing classic Irish melodies. The artists integrate traditional Irish instruments such as the uilleann pipes, the bodhrán, and the fiddle, resulting in an authentic and unique sound. Attending such events is an ideal way to gain more insight into Irish culture and its history through the lens of music.

Apart from exhibiting local talent, the St. Patrick's Day shows in Denver feature global artists who present their unique interpretations of Irish music. These musicians frequently blend traditional Irish melodies with various music genres, such as rock, pop, or hip-hop, creating an inventive and electrifying spectacle that caters to a broad range of audiences.

In essence, attending a Denver St. Patrick's Day gig provides an excellent opportunity not only to revel in music but also to commemorate the holiday with like-minded music enthusiasts. The spirit of camaraderie and elation generated during these performances is contagious, and it's effortless to soak up the buzz and exhilaration of the crowd. So, gather your pals, don your emerald attire, and prepare to rejoice in style, embracing some of Denver's best musical talents and groups.

Let Downing Street Group Be Your Lucky Charm in Denver Real Estate

From parades to concerts and Irish pubs to cultural activities, there's something for everyone in Denver. And if you're looking to buy or sell a home in Denver, look no further than Downing Street Group - your trusted real estate advisor.

With our precise knowledge, distinguished care, and a bit of fun, we'll guide you through the home-buying or selling journey seamlessly. After all, our passion is exceeding client expectations, and we always go above and beyond to deliver exceptional services. So, cheers to a happy St. Patrick's Day, and let Downing Street Group help you find your pot of gold in the Denver real estate market!