St Patrick's Day Parade in Salt Lake City, UT

Sponsored by the Hibernian Society of Utah, the St. Patrick's Day Parade and Siamsa in Salt Lake City promotes the culture and history of Ireland and the Irish Americans throughout the entire state--while honoring the patron saint of Ireland. The Hibernian Society also hosts Irish musical and dance celebrations, festivals, Irish readings, and lectures on the Irish and Irish Americans of America. A worldwide event, the Salt Lake City Irish parade celebration is pre-empted by the SIAMSA, or the post-Parade gala held at the Utah Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church for a unique post-pared event.

St. Patrick's Day became a feast day in the country of Ireland in the early part of the 1600s as a holy day of obligation for Irish Roman Catholics. Moved occasionally from March 17th by Catholic authorities when it falls during Holy Week, the next date to be changed is in 2160 when it falls again in Holy Week. Both Irish and non-Irish people celebrate this world-wide holiday, associated with the green color, Irish food, Irish drink, Irish leprechauns, and lots of friendliness and partying.

Over the world, 70 million Irish people claim their Irish heritage from the Republic of Ireland, with the country itself achieving massive popularity as not only a place to visit but additionally prefer to living in a country with one of the highest growth rates in the area. Ireland is long famous for its local pubs being the main place to socialize, eat and dance—or simply visit and talk in a completely relaxed atmosphere among friends.