If you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, you’ll likely find yourself in merry company at a local pub this March 17th. Yet, while the holiday is widely associated with drinks and green decor, there’s much more to the story of St. Patrick than most people realize. Find out why the day is celebrated and how the holiday came to be. 

Who Was St. Patrick?

St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland who lived during the 400s. Historians believe he was born in Britain with the name Maewyn Succat, and was captured by raiders who took him to Ireland. While he returned to England after some years, he eventually made his way back to Ireland as a priest.

It’s believed that this change is what prompted Succat to take the name Patrick (Patricius), or “father figure” in Latin. Some accounts also suggest that St. Patrick used three-leaf clovers to explain the religious concept of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. While he remains an important figure in Ireland, little else is known about the man.

When Did St. Patrick’s Day Originate?

St. Patrick’s Day has been considered a religious holiday in Ireland for more than a millennium. It honors the day on which St. Patrick died.

The earliest festivities can be traced back to 1631, but it wasn’t until the mid-1700s that pub frequenting, parades, and other types of celebrations first emerged stateside in New York City.

Throughout the next three decades, Irish-American immigrants increasingly showcased their patriotism and held parades with drums and bagpipes throughout major cities. Today, Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago, and Savannah continue to hold parades each year.

Interestingly, the green we associate with St. Patrick’s Day didn’t come about until 1798 following the Irish Rebellion. Prior to that, blue was the color most commonly attached to the holiday. Since the Irish wore green during the Rebellion, however, it quickly became the holiday’s hue. That’s why you’ll be met by a sea of green when you walk into a pub on March 17th.

If you’re looking for a pub in the Tampa, FL, area where you can celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, turn to Mad Dogs and Englishman. The beloved hot spot, which has served the community for more than 25 years, will have kegs of Guinness for the holiday, along with beef Guinness stew and their award-winning corned beef and cabbage. Stay up-to-date with their live music schedule online or call (813) 832-3037 to speak with a friendly team member.