Why is st patrick's day celebrated on march 17th

Cities dye their rivers green. The head politician of Ireland visits the U.S. to meet with the president.

Why do we celebrate st patrick's day in the united states

Patrons clink mugs full of green beer.

This Sunday, March 17, is St. Patrick's Day While it may be an informal drinking holiday for many Americans, it is actually a national holiday in Ireland and a source of great pride.

To get the scoop on the holiday's backstory, USA TODAY previously spoke with Elizabeth Stack, executive director of Albany's Irish American Heritage Museum, and Brian Witt, the cultural exhibits coordinator for Milwaukee Irish Fest.

Here is what to know about St.

Patrick's Day:

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What is the meaning behind St. Patrick's Day?

St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland, brought to the Emerald Isle when he was kidnapped and enslaved.

Though he eventually escaped, he returned and advanced Christianity throughout the island.

Witt says the day gives Irish and Irish Americans the oppor

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