Saint Patrick's Day is here! This is a day to celebrate Irish culture and is also a significant religious holiday in Ireland. People all around the globe dress in the colors of the flag of Ireland (orange, white, green) and party like the Irish. Four leaf clovers are a symbol of good luck and leprechauns are often part of the celebration. These characters from Celtic folklore are known for their trickery and protecting their famous treasure, gold coins. In elementary schools it’s popular for classrooms to be visited by leprechauns on the morning of Saint Patrick's Day, before the students arrive. The classroom is turned upside down by mischievous leprechauns and chairs are dispersed around the room. Schools are decorated with green and authentic Irish foods make an appearance in many restaurants around town.
Here in Herndon, many businesses big and small offer St. Patrick's day specialties, such as the Great Harvest Bread Company. Their bright green mint chocolate chip scones are exclusively sold on the Fridays leading up to this holiday and sell out quickly! The soft, moist texture of these scones melt in your mouth as the sweetness of the chocolate hits your taste buds. The mint flavor is subtle enough to add a delicious, special touch to this fresh baked good.
Located in Reston, Kalypso's will have a special Irish menu on Saint Patrick's Day. Families can enjoy corned beef and cabbage, Guinness lamb Irish stew, shepherd's pie, Rueben's and more. There will be live music by Adrian Chadwell from 5-8 pm and Shorty Slim from 8:30 pm.-12:30 am.
LoCo Rucker's annual St Patrick's Day Kilt Ruck has changed the name to Kilt-A-Thon, which will march through Herndon Station at 8am on Saturday on their 12 mile trek. This event is coordinated with breweries, however it may be a sight to see!
Nothing-Bundt-Cakes, off Elden Street, also has holiday specialties. They have “Lucky You!’ cake, available as an 8” or 10” tiered cake offered in 11 different flavor options. The top has a mini green flag that says “Lucky!’ and can include a personal letter. While this massive cake price starts at $41, they also have a “Luck of the Irish Bundtlet Tower” staring at $20. This consists of 3 mini chocolate chip cakes, complete with a ribbon and bow.
DogTopia of Herndon is hosting a $5 photoshoot for you and your dog! This event will be all day, from 7am to 7pm. DogTopia provides boarding, daycare, and spa services every day for the Herndon community.
Party like the Irish! While in the U.S. Saint Paddy’s day is full of parties and all sorts of amazing food, in Ireland the celebration is actually quite simple. The holiday falls around the same time as Catholic Lent, which is a time of Prayer and repentance. There is a traditional parade in Ireland, but they are nothing compared to the massive parades in the US. Today Dublin has adapted some American traditions, like their 4-day street festival.
The History: Did you know that St. Patrick wasn’t really Irish? As a teenager, he was kidnapped by Irish pirates and taken to Ireland, where he was held as a slave. He managed to escape years later, but returned as an adult missionary and converted part of the population to Christianity. Hundreds of years after his death, which is believed to be March 17, Saint Patrick (Born as Maewyn Succat) was recognized as a saint and his supposed day of death became a Catholic holiday.
The US celebrates this holiday as a day of cheer for all. Make sure to wear green or you might get pinched!