LEXI POLLARD
PRIDE STAFF WRITER

St. Patrick’s Day, the green holiday that falls on March 17, did not originate in Ireland. According to history.com, the United States of America held the first St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 1762 when Irish soldiers serving in the English army displayed pride in Irish roots with traditional music and marching. Historically celebrated in the U.S., Canada and Australia, recent celebrations have undergone a transformation in Ireland. The traditional use of St. Patrick’s Day as a religious occasion now exists as a parade in Dublin that attracts millions of viewers. While Ireland, New York City and Boston host St. Patrick’s Day parade celebrations and citizens of Chicago dye the Chicago River green, San Diego offers a multitude of diverse events.

St. Patrick’s Day in the Gaslamp Quarter consists of the Miller Light ShamROCK, an event filled with the sounds of Irish rock, beverages and Astro Turf replacing the traditional glamorous red carpet with a “green” carpet. The eccentrically green celebration, dubbed the “biggest St. Patrick’s Day block party west of the Mississippi” by SignOnSanDiego.com, attracts up to 20,000 people per year. Located at Sixth Avenue and Market Street, this event caters to and only allows guests 21 and up. The age restriction will ensure an abundance of green beer throughout the night.

If ShamROCK does not appeal to celebratory taste, Hooley’s Irish Pub and Grill in La Mesa hosts Hooleyfest on St. Patrick’s Day. Hooleyfest lasts from 4 p.m. – midnight, and those who celebrate with full festive force have the option of free safe rides home within a 5-mile radius. Similar to ShamROCK, Hooleyfest is a 21 and older event, but offers food vendors, beer gardens, Irish bands and U2 tribute band, Zoo2.

Both ShamROCK and Hooleyfest offer music, entertainment and dancing into the night, but if one desires a calmer celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, Venissimo Cheese in San Diego hosts a Beer and Cheese class. The class lasts from 6:30 – 8 p.m. March 15, and introduces curious visitors to craft beer and cheeses. The venue encourages reservations and green attire.

Although St. Patrick’s Day did not expectedly originate in Ireland and society commercialized traditions, residents of San Diego can experience the lighthearted fun this holiday encourages. Most local and public events permit only those of legal drinking age, but those excluded always have the option of spending St. Patrick’s Day pinching those who forgot to wear green to commemorate the holiday.

Photo courtesy of patravers.com