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Fun and beer-filled St. Patrick's Day
In the past, St. Patrick's Day has been a much more solemn occasion compared to today's beer-filled, rollicking celebrations. In fact, originally a religious holiday, St. Patrick's Day was one of the only times pubs could be found closed across Ireland. Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland who lived from the end of the 4th century until the second half of the 5th century, is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland and St. Patrick's Day (March 17) marks the anniversary of his death. Traditionally, the holiday has been a time for spiritual renewal and family gatherings.
It wasn't until 1995 that the Irish government began a national campaign to use St. Patrick's Day as an opportunity to drive tourism and showcase Ireland to the rest of the world. Now, close to one million people take part in Ireland's grand, five-day St. Patrick's Festival in Dublin. Following suit, Irish communities organize their own celebrations featuring parades, lots of green beer and everything Irish around the globe including Vancouver.
5th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade
Sunday March 16 11am – 1:30pn
Granville Street Entertainment District
Pull out your green tweeds and get to Granville Street early for this incredibly popular parade! CelticFest Vancouver presents the 5th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade! Last year, an estimated 60,000+ people crammed onto Granville Street to enjoy the Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade and this year promises to be even more of a spectacle! The 2008 Parade will begin at Howe & Davie and march north on Howe Street, turning right at Smithe St. onto Granville St. The parade will then march south on Granville Street ending at Drake and Granville Street. The festival celebrates its fifth anniversary from March 12-16 being presented by the Edgewater Casino CelticFest Vancouver 2008
Many pubs and local hangouts celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Here are a few popular spots to check out: Atlantic Trap & Gill
After the St. Patrick's Day Parade, the Trap fills up fast. It's worth lining up for and with all the dancing and music, who needs a table?
The Blarney Stone
Put a jig in your step at The Blarney Stone, a place with lip-smacking Guinness, live music and the feel of St. Patty's Day everyday.
Darby's Pub
Enjoy this true-to-its-roots, understated west side watering hole.
Dentry’s Irish Grill
Come join in the festivities on St-Patrick's Day with Irish Dancers, a full-on piper band, and fabulous live music! The busiest night of the year and also the best!
Doolins Irish Pub
Looking for the perfect pint? Doolins won't disappoint.
The Foggy Dew
With two locations in Coquitlam and Richmond, The Foggy Dew's traditional Irish appeal and live entertainment has made it a local favourite watering hole even when it's not St-Patrick's Day!
The Irish Heather
True Irish owners, a properly poured pint and authentic cuisine make a visit here like a trip to the Emerald Isle itself.
The Lennox Pub
This modern Irish/West Coast bar boasts beers from around the globe and a menu standard high above the usual pub fare.
Morrisey Irish House
A fresh watering hole to grab your favourite pint of Irish brew and a comforting plate of sheperd's pie.
Mountain Shadow Pub
Party and dine in this down to earth pub at the base of Burnaby Mountain.
Pit Pub
Officially opened in 1973, this pub is all about the game, the burgers and the beer!
St. James’s Well Pub
This pub is a popular hangout for those looking for live music and a good ol’ time.
Shows on St. Patrick’s Day
Into The Woods
Sunday March 16 2pm
Vancouver East Cultural Centre
Stephen Sondheim & James Lapine's enchanting musical weaves the classic tales of Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, Cinderella and Rapunzel into a lively irreverent fantasy. One of Sondheim's most popular works - a rare modern classic. Produced by Patrick Street Productions, directed by Peter Jorgensen.
The Avatar Circus
March 12, 2008 - March 16, 2008
Performance Works - Granville Island. Performed by eight of Vancouver's brightest up and coming circus artists, acrobatics, hand balancing, dance, juggling, unicycle, aerial straps. For info www.cirkids.org
Wendy Maclsaac and Patrick Gillis
March 15
Richard’s on Richard
March 15
Richard’s on Richard
Another not-to-be-missed event is the BIG St. Pat's Night Out! featuring Celtic Fiddle Festival, Wendy MacIsaac & Patrick Gillis at Richard’s on Richards (March 15). Wendy MacIsaac began performing when she was just 5 years old as a stepdancer, then became an expert fiddler and pianist. Patrick Gillis comes from a family of traditional musicians who encouraged his love of Celtic music, and he’s now recognized as one of the finest guitarists Cape Breton has ever produced.
Celtic Fiddle Festival is a true super group, bringing together three internationally acclaimed fiddlers - Kevin Burke, from Patrick Street (Ireland), Christian Lemaître (Brittany, France) and André Brunet (Quebec) - with Ged Foley (guitar). Sold-out tours and standing ovations give testimony to the electricity and excitement generated by these three great individual fiddle stylists, masters of their respective styles of Ireland, Quebec and Brittany. Wendy MacIsaac is a gifted fiddler, piano player and stepdancer from Creignish, Cape Breton who has toured the world for the last ten years with Mary Jane Lamond, Ashley MacIsaac, Beolach (her current band) and as a solo performer. Patrick Gillis is one of the finest guitarists to emerge from Cape Breton. Plus Musical Host Jordan Seguin, the Penk O'Donnell Dancers, BC Regiment Pipers (with Champion Guest Pipers from Ireland) and an array of BC’s best musicians – it all adds up to a night to make St. Patrick proud!
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