Saint Patrick's Day

Saint Patrick's Day History

Saint Patrick's Day commemorates Saint Patrick, one of Ireland's patron saints, and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland. Over the years, however, its significance has broadened to celebrate Irish culture and heritage more generally. Expressions of Irish identity, jubilant festivities, parades, wearing of green attire, and public feasts are notable aspects of the observance.

Saint Patrick's Day's origins date back to the early 17th century, when it was made an official feast day by the Catholic Church. For Canadians, the day holds particular meaning given the extensive Irish diaspora in the country. Irish immigrants began settling in Canada in significant numbers in the early 19th century, shaping the nation’s cultural and societal fabric. This shared heritage makes Saint Patrick's Day a day of unity and pride for many Canadians of Irish descent.

Canada observes Saint Patrick's Day with much enthusiasm. Major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal hold annual parades and various other cultural and musical events celebrating Irish traditions. It is also customary for people to wear green clothes and accessories in solidarity with the Irish celebration. As with the global observation, Saint Patrick's Day in Canada takes place on March 17th, serving as an important beacon of Irish pride and heritage within the multicultural Canadian society.

Top 10 Facts for 2026 Saint Patrick's Day in Canada

• While Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated nationwide, Newfoundland and Labrador remains the only Canadian province where the occasion is an official public holiday, typically observed on the Monday closest to March 17 to provide a long weekend for residents.
• The city of Montreal will host its 202nd consecutive parade on Sunday, March 22, 2026, maintaining its status as one of the longest-running cultural processions in North America; this year’s event will be led by Grand Marshal Gary Mchuan.
• Toronto will mark the occasion with the grand opening of the Ireland House and the Corleck Centre on Eireann Quay, a new flagship hub for Irish culture, commerce, and community heritage.
• Throughout the month of March, Canadians observe Irish Heritage Month, a federal designation established in 2022 to honour the contributions of the nearly 4.6 million people in Canada who claim Irish ancestry.
• A major commemorative initiative known as Canada-Ireland 180 will be a focal point for reflection, marking nearly two centuries since the peak of the Great Famine migrations in 1847 and guided by the central themes of Remember, Reflect and Reimagine.
• Historical interest often centers on the Black Rock in Montreal, a monument marking the largest mass grave in Canada where over 6,000 Irish immigrants who perished from typhus are buried.
• In the world of performing arts, many will be looking to the achievements of Lucas Lawton, the first Canadian in history to perform the lead role in the iconic production of Lord of the Dance.
• Literary interest among the diaspora is likely to focus on the recent release of The Paris Express by celebrated Irish-Canadian author Emma Donoghue, which was inspired by a dramatic 1895 locomotive disaster.
• Film and cultural screenings during the season often feature the documentary From That Small Island, which explores the significant influence and leadership of Irish women within the creative industries.
• While the primary festivities happen in March, many enthusiasts participate in the Miramichi Irish Festival winter series in New Brunswick, which features performances by East Coast music legends like Jimmy Rankin to bridge the gap between the winter and summer heritage seasons.

In the News and Trending in Canada for Saint Patrick's Day

Top things to do in Canada for Saint Patrick's Day

• Wear green! In some parts of the world, the custom is to pinch people who aren't wearing the color of shamrocks.
• The heart of any Irish neighborhood is its local pub. Share a couple of green Guinness beers with friends at a local Irish pub or try Magner's (Bulmer's) apple cider as an alternative.
• Join in on the "Greening" of city buildings: Many cities in Canada, including Toronto and Montreal, light up major city buildings with green lights in honor of St. Patrick's Day.
• Read a book to learn more about Saint Patrick:
  St. Patrick of Ireland: A Biography - by Philip Freeman: A detailed account of St. Patrick's life based on historical facts and legends.
  Confession of Saint Patrick by John Skinner: Translations of writings that are genuinely attributed to Saint Patrick.