Some will say that the holiday on March 17, St. Patrick’s Day, is primarily an American celebration. Cities such as Chicago, Boston, and New York have huge parades and thousands of people wearing green. Well, one place where St. Paddy’s Day is a big holiday outside of the United States is Dublin.

Aside from being a prime time for tourism, March 17 also is probably the biggest party in Ireland with Dublin at its center. The Dublin St. Patrick’s Day Festival is one of the biggest and best known festivals in the world.

While it is called the St. Patrick’s Day Festival, events cover several days. Each year is different, but many of the main events remain the same. Like any state or county fair in the United States, the various events are sponsored by local radio stations and businesses.

Big Day Out

During the week of the St Patrick’s Day Festival there is a variety of events including the famous St. Patrick’s Day parade, a fireworks show, musical concerts, street performers, and clowns. The Dolmio Big Day Out festival is held in Merrion Square with a large concert and funfair. The festival is the big event for families during St. Paddy’s Day events.

Aside from the Big Day Out, the parade is the center of the most effort by participants. Companies, marching bands, and artistic troupes from all over the country turn out to be seen at the parade. Participants include a dozen marching bands or more, clowns, and street theater groups. Awards are given to the best youth and adult bands in addition to the most spirited participants in the parade.

Fireworks

Aside from the parade and the family festival, there also is a funfair, which in America would probably be called a carnival. That means a Ferris wheel, bumper cars, and lots of other rides. Don’t forget the cotton candy.

Another of the unfamiliar sounding events is the Skyfest. For Americans, that means fireworks. Many report this is one of the most popular of the St. Patrick’s Day events. The huge fireworks display is staged on the banks of the River Liffey and is choreographed to a musical score.