The EastCoaster

By: Brianna McAleer

St. Patrick’s Day, celebrated annually on March 17th, is an occasion to embrace the luck of the Irish, enjoy lively traditions, and bond with loved ones. Whether you’re looking for a way to celebrate with family, friends, or both, there are countless activities that can bring people together to mark this vibrant holiday. From arts and crafts to outdoor adventures, here are some festive ideas to help you make the most of this special day.

1.Local St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Attending a local St. Patrick’s Day parades are a fantastic way to get in the Irish spirit. As a classic tradition, parades typically feature pipe bands, Irish dancers, colorful floats, and, of course, plenty of green! Make it a family outing and cheer for your favorite performers while enjoying the festive atmosphere.

2. DIY Crafts and Decorations

Gather friends and family to make your own St. Patrick’s Day crafts. Set up a crafting station with green construction paper, glitter, markers, and stickers. Some fun ideas include:

• Shamrock Stamps: Cut out a shamrock shape from a potato, dip it in green paint, and stamp it onto paper for a cute, homemade design.
• Leprechaun Hats: Using colored paper, make little leprechaun hats and decorate them with sequins and glitter.
• Rainbow Crafts: After making a pot of gold, create a rainbow out of colored paper or playdough.

Decorating the house with shamrocks, rainbows, and other Irish symbols sets the mood and creates an exciting, festive atmosphere.

3. Irish Recipes

St. Patrick’s Day is an excellent opportunity to try your hand at some traditional Irish dishes. Gather your family and friends in the kitchen to cook or bake together. Some classic recipes include:

• Irish Soda Bread: A simple, no-fuss bread perfect for beginners. Check out Sally’s Baking for this delicious recipe!
• Corned Beef and Cabbage: A hearty meal that’s a staple of the holiday. Check out The Wooden Skillet for this famous dish recipe!
• Shamrock-shaped Cookies: Perfect for dessert, these cookies can be decorated with green icing and sprinkles. Check out Sally’s Baking for this sweet treat recipe!

4. St. Patrick’s Day Party

Transform your home into an Irish pub! Think rustic charm, low lighting, and cozy vibes. Set up a bar area with a selection of Irish beers, ciders, and whiskey. You could even serve up classic Irish cocktails like an Irish Coffee. You can also include non-alcoholic drinks such as green punch or sparkling water.

Tip: Add an Irish music playlist featuring everything from traditional folk tunes to contemporary Irish rock bands to set the perfect mood.

Whether you’re hosting a themed party, enjoying the parade, or diving into Irish traditions, there are plenty of ways to celebrate together. From crafting to cooking to dancing, everyone can partake in the joy and excitement that this vibrant holiday brings. So gather your loved ones, put on your best attire, and let the festivities begin!