St. Patrick’s Day happens every year on March 17, celebrating Ireland’s patron saint, St. Patrick. It started as a religious day to honor the guy who brought Christianity to Ireland way back in the 5th century. But over time, it turned into a massive worldwide celebration of Irish culture, music, dancing, and good times. Originally, it was all about church and tradition, but now? It’s a national holiday in Ireland and a global excuse to party, with parades, festivals, and a whole lot of Guinness. People all over the world join in, whether they’re Irish or just love the vibe.
Why is everything green?
Ireland is called “The Emerald Isle” because of its super green landscapes. Plus, there’s the shamrock, a small three-leafed plant that St. Patrick supposedly used to explain the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) to the Irish. Then, in the 18th century, green became a symbol of Irish pride and independence. Now, it’s tradition to wear green clothes, hats, and face paint on St. Patrick’s Day. Even famous buildings around the world light up green for the day.How does Ireland celebrate St. Patrick’s Day?
In Ireland, it’s a public holiday, which means no work, just fun! The biggest celebrations happen in Dublin, where the St. Patrick’s Festival lasts several days (March 15-17 in 2025). What’s happening in Ireland?- Huge parades with floats, dancers, and marching bands
- Live Irish music everywhere, from street corners to pubs
- Traditional dancing like Riverdance performances
- Every pub is packed, and Guinness is flowing all day
How does Malta celebrate St. Patrick’s Day?
Malta has no real Irish history, but that doesn’t stop it from throwing a wild party. The biggest celebration happens in St. Julian’s, a popular nightlife spot. Thousands of people pack the Spinola Bay area, drinking, dancing, and partying till the early hours.What’s St. Patrick’s Day like in St. Julian’s?
- Lots of beer – Local Farsons beer and Irish Guinness everywhere
- Live music – Irish songs blasting from huge speakers
- Pop-up bars – Extra bars set up just for the day
- International crowd – Maltese locals, expats, and tons of tourists
What to expect if you’re in Malta for St. Patrick’s Day
If you’re heading to St. Julian’s, be ready for crowds and chaos. The streets will be packed with people partying until sunrise. Here’s what you need to know:- It’s super crowded – Walking through the streets is slow and tricky
- It’s loud – Expect music, cheering, and people singing everywhere
- There’s a LOT of drinking – Bars will be full, and beer will be flowing nonstop
How to get to the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Malta
If you’re planning to party in St. Julian’s, here’s how to get there:- Public transport – Malta’s buses run to St. Julian’s, but expect delays because of the crowds. The best bus routes: 13, 14, 16, and 202.
- Hop-on Hop-off bus – A great way to explore Valletta and St. Julian’s during the day. Book it here.
- Walking – If you’re staying in Sliema, it’s an easy coastal walk to St. Julian’s.