St. Patrick’s Day observes the passing of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. The holiday has evolved into a celebration of Irish culture with parades, special foods, music, dancing, drinking, and a whole lot of green.
St. Patrick’s Day originated in Ireland and is celebrated there today as it has been for hundreds of years. Paddy’s Day is both a national public and banking holiday in the Republic of Ireland.
Related Reading:
Saint Patrick’s Day on Wikipedia
Saint Patrick’s Day, feast day (March 17)
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica