ELC BLOG

This year marks 113^th anniversary of Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations in Boston, MA! Not sure how to celebrate? Follow this guide and you’ll be sure to eat, drink and be merry! Don’t forget to try the green beer!! 

1. Wear Green! Seriously. This is not a joke! On SPD, this is the only acceptable color for clothing is some shade of green.  This tradition pays homage to the Irish flag, which is green, white, and orange. If you wear another color on March 17, you can expect to be pinched by your fellow partiers!
2. Go to ANY Irish Pub in Boston: Boston has the best and most numerous Irish pubs in the USA! The best neighborhoods to find a busy Irish pub are in downtown Boston & Back Bay. St. Pat’s Day is one of biggest events in Boston so you’ll be sure to find Irish music (sometimes live!), dancing, green beer (don’t worry—its just food coloring!), and delicious Irish food!
3. The Boston Saint Patrick’s Day Parade: The Saint Patrick’s Day Parade is Boston’s biggest parade of the year.  Thousands march as up to a million spectators line the streets in South Boston to enjoy the Irish Festivities.  This year, the event takes place right on Saint Patrick’s Day!  For the best viewing spots, take the T to Broadway around 1:00PM.  The parade will last about three hours!
4. Irish Step Dancers at Faneuil Hall Marketplace: Faneuil Hall Marketplace is home to some of the best street performers on the East Coast. On St. Patrick’s Day, you’ll find talented Irish step dancers performing to traditional Irish tunes.  There will also be plenty of other special treats like yummy Irish food at Cheers.
5. St. Patrick’s Day Road Race: Each year on St. Patrick’s Day, the South Boston Boys & Girls Club sponsors a 5K run to benefit needy children in the Boston area.  The race starts and ends at the Boys & Girls Club at 230 West 6^th Street in South Boston. 
6. Dropkick Murphys Concert at the House of Blues: The Dropkick Murphy’s are Boston’s most famous Celtic punk-rock band that was formed right here in Quincy, MA.  Although they spend most of the year touring the United States, they find their way home each St. Patrick’s Day for a special concert for their fans in Boston.  Tickets can be found at stubhub.com!
7. Boston Irish Film Festival: This four-day festival takes place at the Brattle Theater in Cambridge, MA & the Somerville Theater in Somerville, MA.  The festival will showcase 30 of the best contemporary Irish films, shorts and documentaries. Visit www.irishfilmfestival.com for more information!