If You Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Texas: Know the True Facts
The History Behind Saint Patrick’s Day and Abilene’s Shamrock Celebration
Saint Patrick’s Day is here, and West Texas is ready to celebrate! From pub crawls to the Shamrock of the Block event in Abilene’s SoDA (South of Downtown Abilene) District, locals will be donning green, enjoying great food, and sipping on green beer. But do we really know what we’re celebrating?
Let’s dive into the history behind this popular holiday and some surprising facts you might not know!
Saint Patrick: The Patron Saint Who Wasn’t Irish
Believe it or not, Saint Patrick wasn’t even Irish, he was born in Great Britain in the late 4th century. At age 16, he was kidnapped by Irish raiders and held captive for six years. During that time, he converted to Christianity. After escaping, he eventually returned to Ireland as a Christian missionary, dedicating his life to spreading the faith. Patrick passed away on March 17, 461 AD, and over time, he became Ireland’s patron saint.
Did Saint Patrick Really Banish Snakes from Ireland?
One of the most famous legends claims that Saint Patrick drove all the snakes out of Ireland. The truth? Ireland never had snakes to begin with! The island’s cool climate and surrounding ocean waters made it impossible for snakes to migrate there. The story is believed to be symbolic, Saint Patrick banishing evil from Ireland.
LOOK: This Is How We Celebrate St. Patrick's Day In West Texas
Why the Shamrock Became a Saint Patrick’s Day Symbol
According to legend, Saint Patrick used a shamrock, a three-leaf clover, to explain the Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. By the 18th century, people in Ireland wore shamrocks on March 17th as a symbol of their faith. Over time, this tradition expanded into wearing green clothing, which became a Saint Patrick’s Day custom.
America Made Saint Patrick’s Day What It Is Today
While Saint Patrick’s Day is rooted in Irish history, many of the biggest traditions, like parades and large-scale celebrations, actually started in the United States. Irish immigrants brought the holiday to America, where it grew into the festive event we know today.
West Texas Joins the Celebration
This weekend, West Texas is going all out to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day. "SoDA Shamrock The Block" in the SoDA District featuring The Big Country Garden and The Stairs Club as they will block off the street from noon till 5 PM. They will feature live bagpipes, a best-dressed contest, amazing food, and, of course, green beer to go with some great food.
So whether you’re sipping on a pint of Guinness, enjoying the festivities, or simply rocking your best green outfit, now you’ve got some history to share.
May the luck of the Irish be with you.