Irish-American Heritage Month: March 2011

Saint Patrick's Day (March 17). Saint Patrick's Day, is the Irish feast day which celebrates Saint Patrick (386-461), the patron saint of Ireland. It is celebrated annually, this month, in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, the overseas territory of Montserrat and the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. It is celebrated worldwide by the Irish, Scottish, and those of Celtic descent and increasingly by many of non-Irish descent, and in the United States.

A major parade takes place in Dublin and in most other Irish towns and villages. The five largest parades of recent years have been held in Dublin, New York City, Manchester, Montreal, and Boston. Parades also take place in other places, including London, Paris, Rome, Munich, Moscow, Beijing, Hong Kong, Singapore, Copenhagen and throughout the Americas.

Spring also begins on March 20, known as Equinox (Vernal Equinox or Spring Equinox), and marks the beginning of astronomical spring.

Provided by TutorTutors.com