It seems as if it has become custom to have St. Patrick’s Day fall on the University’s spring break. While it’s sad that we can’t make it a campus-wide tradition like Penn State, there are plenty of positive things that come with being on vacation during such a well-celebrated holiday. Whether you are going on vacation or staying in your hometown, there are festivities wherever you find yourself this break. From Mexico to North Dakota, we’ve got you covered on all your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Chicago, IL
It just wouldn’t be right to start off with any other St. Paddy’s-enthusiastic-city but Chicago. Between turning the Chicago River green with vegetable dye and their Columbus Drive parade, you’ll feel as if you were in the heart of Dublin without having to travel more than a few states over. Can’t go to the authentic Temple Bar? Have no fear, Chicago has their very own, and the pub crawls go anywhere from Timothy O’Toole’s to Abbey Pub. Both family and college friendly alike, Chicago is the city to go to with friends or even your parents. No matter what the crowd, Chicago is the place to please everyone this St. Patrick’s Day.
Panama City Beach, FL
Taking the traditional college Spring Break route? Have no fear, there’s plenty of St. Patrick’s Day entertainment on the Gulf Coast. Make sure to check out their St. Andrew’s St. Patrick’s Day parade and stop by Uncle Ernie’s. There will be plenty of food and drink specials all over the city, equipped with live music to wrap up your holiday in the right way. Who ever said you can’t have your cake and eat it too obviously never got to experience a holiday out of town.
Cancun, MEX
What better drink to ring in the Irish holiday than a margarita, mojito, or Mexican beer? To add to the ongoing fun of a tropical Spring Break location, Mexico actually has a surprisingly large Irish population throughout the country. Celebrations occur all over to commemorate the Irish who helped fight for the Mexican army in the Mexican-American war. It also celebrates the immigration of Irishmen, Scotts, and Germans around the country. Who knew Mexico could be so festive for St. Paddy’s? Don’t forget to pack or buy a green swimsuit!
New Orleans, LA
Expect everything but disappointment from the land of Mardi Gras on St. Patrick’s Day. A city that needs little excuse to party, New Orleans celebrates the holiday for a whole week since they combine it with St. Joseph’s Day, an Italian-American celebrated holiday on March 19th. Whether you want to celebrate one or the other (or even both, we won’t tell), the “Big Easy” is there to accommodate any of your real or fake Irish pride needs. So pack some green beads, a masquerade mask or two, and celebrate St. Paddy’s as the New Orleans natives do.
Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN
Staying on campus over break? Don’t worry, there will be plenty to do, despite your friends going off to locations you may be envious of. The parade starts in Nicollet Mall, where you can continue on to Kieran’s, Keegan’s, or Kip’s Irish Pub to celebrate the luck of the Irish. While Kermit the Frog said it wasn’t easy to be green, it is today, so forget the cold weather and celebrate as if it’s summer in the city. There’s no need for vacation when the Twin Cities provides everything you need right here. Celebrate accordingly!
Sláinte!
