"We Are Celebrating 50 Years" 

When we refer to St. Patrick, we are talking about a historical hero.  Legend has it that he used the clover to explain the concept of the Christian Trinity to the Celts during his mission of conversion to Catholicism on the lands of Ireland.

 

He was just a young boy when he was kidnapped and sold to the king of Ireland.  Once he won his freedom he became bishop with the name of Patrick.  His dedication and devotion attracted the attention of Pope Celestine I, who gave him the task of catechizing those lands.  With great perseverance, the Saint managed to make Christianity take root without uprooting the traditions and this allowed an almost total evangelization of Ireland while respecting the traditions of the place.  Furthermore, the feast of St. Patrick in Italy is deeply felt as several Irish communities have settled in Italy.

 

What better way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day than with open air festivals?  A concentrate of frenzy and joy but also many musical and cultural events scattered around Italy attracting many people happy to pay homage to the Irish Saint and spread the message of unity that characterizes the celebration.

 

1. Music and entertainment for St. Patrick’s Day in Parma.  From March 16th to the 19th in Cittadella Park, you’ll find “Ireland in Festa”.  Stages are set up to host Irish music and culture shows, accompanied by many ethnic culinary delights!

2. St. Patrick’s Day in Bologna:  Now in its 15th year, Bologna celebrates Ireland.  Piazza Lucio Dalla will turn green and from March 16th to the 19th welcomes a celebration made up of music, dance, and lots of good food!   There are performances by Isiah bands, folk music and there’s street food dedicated to typical Irish cuisine.  There’s also craft markets and workshops for children.

3. St. Patrick’s Day in Rome:  close your eyes and dream you are in Dublin!  From March 17th to the 19th in Rome, an entire area is transformed and set up onto a real Irish Pub setting with music, attractions, street food, and lots of beer!  It’s an Irish Village!  An area equipped with live Celtic music, entertainment for adults and children, and obviously the spirit of having fun and partying.

4. San Patrizio in Milan for Ireland Week:  the Lombard Capital will turn green to kick off the celebrations in honor of St. Patrick for Ireland Week which will take place from March 12th to the 19th.  A Variety of events will be on the program and will include Irish music, traditions, food, and folklore.  You can taste the various traditional dishes, dance to folk music, and attend themed shows and dances.  Some Milanese restaurants will include a typical Irish dish reinterpreted by Italian chefs in their menus.

5. San Patrizio in Umbria, Orvieto:  what better day than March 17th to enjoy a trip out of town in Orvieto and visit one of the attractions that is the symbol of the city, namely the Pozza di San Patrizio.  A structure built in the sixteenth century and remained intact over the years.  At the entrance to the Well there is an inscription “quad natura munimento inviderant industry adiecit” which means … “what nature has not given industry procured” - and celebrates human ingenuity as the means capable of dealing with nature’s shortcomings.

 

Buona Festa di San Patrizio!