A quick look at some of the things that make your shindig work (or not):
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
River dyed green in Chicago. Image by Hans.
St. Patrick’s original name: Maewyn/Succat
St. Patrick’s Day’s original intent: Religious feast day
First parade celebrations observed in US: 1737 in Boston
Number of Canadians with Irish ancestry: 4.3 million
Only province where St. Patrick’s Day is a holiday: Newfoundland
Province with largest percent of population with Irish ancestry: Newfoundland
One of Ireland’s most famous alcoholic exports: Guinness
Famous slogan: “Guinness is Good for You”
Scientific evidence: Daily pint reduces blood clotting
Number of Guinness pints consumed on average per day: 5.5 million
Number of consumed on St. Patrick’s Day: 13 million
Best selling beer in Ireland: Budweiser
World’s 2nd heaviest drinking country (per capita): Ireland
Drinking beer in Ireland on St. Patrick’s Day (historically): Illegal
Year in which ban was finally lifted: 1970
Traditional Irish toast: May your glass ever be full!