St. Patrick’s Day

St.+Patricks+Day

Sasha Soffer, Writer

If you love a parade, then the luck of the Irish is with you! Irish eyes will be smiling again as St. Patrick’s Day parades will be returning to towns across the state after facing cancellations for the last two years due to COVID-19 restrictions. Even though the holiday is on Thursday, March 17, parades are scheduled on weekends throughout the entire month. 

If you’re wondering where to find these parades, well, you’re in luck! Towns all across New Jersey will be holding parades this year. Here is a list of those nearby;

  • Belmar – March 6 at 12:30 p.m.
  • Seaside Heights- March 12 at 12:00 p.m.
  • Asbury Park- March 13 at 1:00 p.m.
  • Freehold- March 13 at 1:00 p.m .
  • Woodbridge- March 13 at 1:30 p.m.
  • Keyport- March 19 at 1:00 p.m.
  • Somerville March 13 at 1:30 p.m.

St. Patrick’s Day is a way to commemorate the death of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. He is known for bringing Christianity to Ireland, even though he wasn’t born there. 

One of the popular legends surrounding him is that he explained the Holy Trinity using the three leaves of the native Irish clover. Another belief is that he drove out snakes in Ireland. This holiday didn’t become popular until Irish immigrants came to the U.S. Here, they created the big celebrations we see today. The celebrations and parades are a symbol of their culture. 

As every holiday does, it brings people together and allows them to spend time with family and friends. On St. Patrick’s Day, everyone is Irish. People go all out by wearing everything green, not just clothing but beads, glasses, hats, and makeup. You will see green beer, bagels, and donuts. People even dye the rivers green!

The emphasis on the green can be tied to an old myth that wearing green hides you from leprechauns and failure to do so will result in you getting pinched. What are you waiting for? Go get your green apparel and head on out to a parade near you!