St. Patrick's Day Events in Philadelphia

Philadelphia celebrates St. Patrick's Day with great pride and an even greater parade. The city had its first St. Patrick's Day Celebration Parade organized by the Irish in 1771, five years before the Declaration of Independence was signed. Since then, the parade has remained an integral part of St. Patrick's Day celebrations in Philadelphia for the last 235 years. The St. Patrick's Day Observance Association, which is in charge of hosting the current parade, was incorporated as a non profit organization in 1952. This year, the parade will be held on March 11 as it is the tradition to hold it on the Sunday prior to St. Patrick's Day unless March 17 falls on Sunday. In case March 17 falls on a Sunday, the parade is held on March 17, St. Patrick's Feast Day. The parade is always a grand spectacle with thousands of marchers and spectators in their green bedecked finery, the bands and floats, the flags and music highlighting one of the finest parades in the nation. If we go back in history, we find that Irish Americans have celebrated St. Patrick's Day in Philadelphia since their arrival in America. These celebrations have always reflected the times with the help of different themes. The themes have included religious, patriotic, remembrance of the political struggles in Ireland and a celebration of Irish culture. The common theme, however, has remained honoring St. Patrick's work.

There are some guidelines that are to be followed during the parade. Throwing candy from vehicles or floats along the parade route is prohibited to avoid the dangers of youngsters running into the middle of parade entries and vehicles, or reaching their hand out under vehicles. Blowing of loud horns or sirens that drown out Irish music played by bands and dance groups is prohibited. No alcoholic beverages of any type are permitted in vehicles coming to the parade, in the staging area or in the line of march. All participants in the line of march must buy and wear the official St. Patrick's Day Parade Badge. All buses should arrive at designated times and unload at assigned area. Costumes which enhance the spirit of the parade are encouraged. Blue jeans or sneakers should be avoided. All dance units are limited to a 1 minute and 30 second performance. Appropriate Irish music may be played along the parade route.

Apart from the St. Patrick's Day Parade, which is to be held on March 11, Philadelphia has lined up several events for March 17, on St. Patrick's Day itself. You can enjoy the Dirty Sock Funtime Band at World Cafe Live at 3025 Walnut Street. It will be a lunch buffet where you can have children-friendly food (not included in ticket price). The Dirty Socks rock in all kinds of music styles and play some fantastic innovative and exciting children's music.

You can also soak yourself in the charm of Girlyman's catchy melodies at Sellersville Theater. Their melodies are so smooth and accessible. Their three-part harmonies and great lyrics will surely mesmerize you.

Mask and Wig's 119^th annual production, "Troy Story" at the Mask and Wig Clubhouse is another St. Patrick's Day attraction in Philadelphia. It will take you back to ancient Greece. Filled with myths, monsters, the Socratic method, and, of course, the Mask and Wig kickline, it is something you won't like to miss.

Another Philadelphia event you can enjoy on that day is St. Patrick's Ceili at the Irish Center Club. It is the annual festival of music and dance celebrating the enduring culture of the Emerald Isle, featuring Kevin and Jimmy McGillian.

Music lovers won't like to miss the great combination of Vernon Reid, Jamaaladeen Tacuma and G. Calvin Weston who will come together at Tritone. The great Living Colour guitarist and Black Rock Coalition founder Vernon Reid will join Philadelphia's own Jamaaladeen Tacuma (bass) and G. Calvin Weston (drums) for an exciting one-night-only performance. The Grammy-award winning Reid has had a critically-acclaimed solo career as well, including projects with DJ Logic, Masque, the Roots, Salif Keita, and James "Blood" Ulmer. Thundering bassist Jamaaladeen Tacuma has collaborated with Carlos Santana, Amiri Baraka, Jeff Beck, Jean Paul Bourelly, the Roots, and Odeon Pope. Drummer G. Calvin Weston has been pounding away ever since seeing Stevie Wonder, the Jackson Five, and James Brown at the Uptown on Broad Street.

If you are seeking fun on St. Patrick's Day, you should straightaway head for the Waitstaff Sketch Comedy Show at World Café Live. The local newspapers consider the Waitstaff to be Philadelphia's hottest sketch comedy troupe, or one of the funniest groups of people to hit the Philly Stages, or the sort of comedy that kids love, parents disapprove of, and adults find irresistibly hilarious even while shaking their heads.

Whatever you plan to do this St. Patrick's Day in Philadelphia, you will certainly be treated to a wondrous day full of great Irish food and music.