Wear green and bring your appetite
Saint Patrick’s Day, Lá Fhéile Pádraig or the Day of the Festival of Patrick, is a cultural and religious celebration held on March 17 – the traditional death date of Saint Patrick, the foremost patron saint of Ireland.
On this day those of Irish descent, or those who wish they had Irish roots, celebrate the traditions and heritage of Ireland. As lenten restrictions were waved on this feast day, the celebration was often associated with frivolous behaviour but the Irish government in the mid1990s began a campaign to use St Patrick’s Day to showcase Ireland and its culture.
The government set up a group called St Patrick’s Festival, with the aims: “To offer a national festival that ranks amongst all of the greatest celebration in the world. To create energy and excitement throughout Ireland via innovation, creativity, grassroots involvement, and marketing activity. To provide the opportunity and motivation for people of Irish descent (and those who sometimes wish they were Irish) to attend and join in the imaginative and expressive celebrations. To project, internationally, an accurate image of Ireland as a creative, professional and sophisticated country with wide appeal.”
With so many in SW Nova of Irish descent, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated with music, food and gaiety as well as the ‘wearing of the green.’ However, being Irish is much more. The Despoina of the Irish to the new world was a result of great injustice, hardship and loss. Poverty, hunger and pain left many with few options. They set sail for the new world in the hopes of a better and more prosperous life for themselves and their dependents. Many did not make it, but those who did are now an integral part of the Canadian fabric. These hearty souls made lives here, raised their families and moved forward against all odds. They, like modern immigrants, saw new hope, the realization of dreams, peace and security.
Local non-profits have stepped up to the plate to acknowledge their contributions with meals and celebrations. St. Louis Catholic Church at 540 St. George St., Annapolis Royal will be hosting their annual St. Patrick’s Day Irish Stew Dinner on Friday, March 16. There will be two sittings, 4:30 and 6 p.m. and takeout is available. Tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for children younger than 12. They indicate this is always a sellout so get your tickets early. Call 902-532-0746.
Then there is the Fundy YMCA, who host the leprechaun potluck luncheon from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. on March 16. The free will donation supports their healthy kids initiative, however, it is much more than that. The Y urges you to bring a friend, to share, laugh and enjoy the fellowship that is so integral at the Fundy YMCA.
My place of choice to celebrate is always the dinner prepared by the phenomenal Mason chefs in Digby. For just $12 you eat like king. Their dinner is on March 18 from noon to 6 p.m. Our Digby Masons work quietly, behind the scenes to support many dynamic worthwhile causes in our community. Attending their functions has a benefit for so many.
Yes, wear green to honour the heritage, but I so hope you will support these entities. You will not be disappointed as you will find delightful people, fun and great food.