Guide to celebrating St Patrick’s Day
Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona duit | Happy St. Patrick’s Day
From Broke Girl in the City
St. Patrick’s Day affectionately known as Paddy’s Day is celebrated all over the world. Unfortunately this year due to concerns over the Coronavirus, festivities have mostly either been cancelled or postponed. Ireland is following more stringent measures so private parties have also been discouraged. So today I am going to look at how to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at home.
Why do we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day?
St Patrick’s Day is thought to represent the date that St Patrick died – the patron saint of Ireland. It was made an official Christian feast day in the early 17th century. The day is a religious day in the Catholic Church and others, but it has also become a day to celebrate Ireland as a nation.
How to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at home
St Patrick’s Day can still be celebrated at home this year. Why not wear something green, cook an Irish food recipe, play some traditional Irish tunes or have an Irish coffee. Post your home festivities on social media to celebrate a digital St. Patrick’s Day! My brother and his family live in Dublin. My nephew has coloured in a beautiful Happy St. Patrick’s Day picture and posted it in their window for people to see when they go for a walk. I love this sense of community.
Why do people wear green on St. Patrick’s Day?
St. Patrick’s revellers thought wearing green made one invisible to leprechauns, fairy creatures who would pinch anyone they could see (anyone not wearing green).
Mini Online St. Patrick’s Film Festival London
Laura Whitmore first brought this to my attention. Irish Film Festival are making their films available free online (donations welcome). Email online@irishfilmfestivallondon.com to gain access.
How to make an Irish Coffee
BBC Good Foods Recipe
Indulge dinner guests with a classic Irish coffee at the end of a dinner party. Made with Irish whiskey, cream and coffee, it’s a decadent finale to a meal.
- 2 tbsp double cream
- 150ml freshly brewed black coffee
- 50ml Irish whiskey
- ½ – 1 tsp brown sugar
- pinch freshly grated nutmeg
Method
- Lightly whip the cream just so it’s very slightly thickened, then set aside.
- Pour the hot coffee into a mug or heatproof glass, then add the whiskey and sugar. Stir until the sugar has dissolved. Gently float the cream on the top and sprinkle the nutmeg over the cream. Serve hot.
Irish Stew
Irish Stew Ingredients
- 2 large onions
- 4 large Carrots
- ½ stewing steak/mince or lamb
- 8 large potatoes
- Salt & pepper (personal preference)
How to make Traditional Irish stew
You can add many more ingredients to this. However, I rarely cook with many ingredients to keep costs down. Feel free to add more if you prefer.
- Wash and cut onions into moderate size chunks and add to the pot.
- Then wash carrots and cut into chunks
- Before washing and peel the potatoes, then cut each one in half.
- Slice the meat into smaller pieces.
- Get a large pot and fill it with water. Add the potatoes and meat.
- Heat pot until water boils then add carrots and onions.
- Keep on a low boil and stir every now and then until vegetables are cooked.
- Serve hot!
Irish Pubs in & around London
With people being told not to go to pubs and avoid crowds unnecessarily. Why not celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at home this year. The Irish Government have asked people not to organise parties and pubs have been shut down as they try to stop the coronavirus from spreading.
According to The Daily Mail, The Republic’s chief medical officer, Dr Tony Holohan, advised citizens not to organise or participate in public gatherings for St Patrick’s day.
‘In regards to upcoming St Patrick’s Day celebrations,’ he said, ‘the government is calling on all members of the public not to organise or participate in any parties in private houses or other venues which would put other people’s lives at risk’.
The St. Patrick’s Parade in Trafalgar Square – cancelled
The parade was due to take place Sunday 15th March but was cancelled.
St Patrick’s Day Film Festival – postponed
The St Patrick’s Day Film Festival has been postponed until further notice.