Saint Patrick's Day Parades in Ohio

The Saint Patrick's Day is celebrated the world over with parades, parties, green beer and Irish Whiskey. The holiday that we associated with fun has an interesting history linked with religion, persecution and freedom.

St. Patrick's Day honors Saint Patrick, patron saint of Ireland. St. Patrick was born more than 1600 years ago. His tumultuous life included slavery,escape, dedication to God and priesthood. being enslaved in Ireland at the age of 16. He returned to Ireland, the land where he had been enslaved, to convert pagans to Christianity.

The popular legend of St. Patrick is that he drove the snakes from Ireland. However, there are no snakes in Ireland, and there probably never have been.The snakes of legend, more likely symbolized pagans converted to Christianity. Snakes. St. Patrick reportedly used shamrocks illustrate the Holy Trinity. The shamrock has been associated with St. Patrick and the Irish people ever since.

The first St. Patrick's Day Parade originated as an act of defiance against the British. In the 17th and 18th century Ireland, there was a British rule that prohibited pubic demonstrations by the Irish. The rule allowed the Irish only the right to religious processions. On St. Patrick's Day the Irish held "religious processions" after Mass through the streets of Dublin.

The St. Patrick's celebrations in the U.S.A. honor the Irish immigrants who were an important part of our nation's heritage.Many Catholics start the holiday by attending Mass, in honor of their patron saint. The St. Patrick's Day holiday is a festive celebration, with many people wearing green clothing, armbands and carnations. Parades all over the country will have floats, bands, bagpipes and leprechauns.

Following are some of the Saint Patrick's celebrations in Ohio this year.

Cleveland Saint Patrick's Day Parade
Saturday, March 17
1 pm
Cleveland's event is one of the oldest in America and is the largest in the State of Ohio.