St. Patrick's Day in Hermosa Beach, CA

St. Patrick, the most popular saint and national apostle of Ireland is celebrated for his efforts in bringing Christianity to
Ireland. It is believed St. Patrick died on March 17, in 461 AD, and this is why people across the world honor his life and his legacy on that day.

HOW TO CELEBRATE

Initially, St. Patrick's Day was a time for spiritual contemplation and worship for missionaries worldwide. However, as the holiday spread across the world, it branched off to include parades, festivals, and a celebration of all things Irish.

Southern Californians have many activities to choose from, including the 12th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival in Hermosa Beach, CA.

This event will take place on March 18th, at 11:00 am and lasting until 5pm. Fortunately, the festival will pick up again on Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Hermosa Beach will showcase their Irish heritage with ethnic music, Irish step dancing, and Irish arts & crafts. For the kids there is a kiddy carnival and always great food.

Where: Starting at Pier Ave. & Valley ending at Eighth Street, Hermosa Beach, CA.

For those who cannot wait, locals can also choose to participate in the Los Angeles County Irish Fair & Music Festival on March 11 - 12 2006.
Where: The Fairplex, Pomona, CA(Fairplex is located at 1101 W. McKinley Ave).

This event will run from 10am to 6pm daily, with activities and nine musical stages. Acts inlcude, The Mulligans, Wrath of McGrath, Maria Butterly, Des Regan, Dublin 4, and many more.

Cost: $16 for adults, $12 for seniors and students, ages 11 and younger free.

MORE PARADES

In San Diego
26th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade
March 11, 2006 - 11:00 a.m.
Where: Parade begins at Juniper and 6th Avenue, San Diego, CA

In Los Angeles
St. Patrick's Day Parade,
March 17th, 11:30 AM
Where: 200 N. Spring St., Los Angeles, CA, Los Angeles City Hall

WHAT TO WEAR?

Green, Gold, and Shamrocks. Rumor has it; St. Patrick used the three-leafed shamrock to describe the Trinity. In sermons, he used it to represent how the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit can exist as separate elements of the same entity. Today, wearing the shamrock is a classic custom during St. Patrick's Day.

But don't worry; you don't have to be Irish to enjoy the festivities. Today, St. Patrick's Day is celebrated by people of many diverse backgrounds in the United States, Canada, and Australia. The celebration has also expanded to Japan, Singapore, and Russia.

For More Info:

http://www.fairplex.com/fp/
(THE FAIRPLEX)

http://www.irishfair.org/
(IRISH FAIR)

http://www.irishcenter.org/calendar.html
(IRISH CENTER)

http://www.st-patricks-day.com/index.asp
(IRISH ROOTS)

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11554a.htm
(ST. PATRICK)