|
St. Patrick’s Day is soon approaching and just like every other “party holiday”, Vegas does not take lightly to a day dedicated to drinking. This year St. Patty's Day has been moved to Saturday March 15 (instead of March 17) by the Roman Catholic Church to avoid landing on a holy day. Chances are green beer will be served in almost every casino in town; however, the more traditional St. Patty’s day observers might be looking for something a little more traditional. So if you’re looking to celebrate just like the Irish do here are a few suggestions. Although many people choose to celebrate the holiday, most have no idea where St. Patty’s Day comes from. St. Patrick’s Day originated in Ireland and Saint Patrick was a patron saint of Ireland around 400 AD. The holiday was originally a day of feast created by the Catholic Church. There are varying opinions about the life of Patrick because only two letters actually written by Saint Patrick have ever been found. It is known that Patrick was not born Irish. Patrick actually grew up in Whales and was kidnapped and taken to Ireland where he was sold into slavery. While imprisoned, Patrick claimed to have seen visions from God. Through these visions God told Patrick how to escape. After freeing himself, he moved to France and joined a monastery. After becoming a bishop, Patrick returned to Ireland to teach the people what he had learned from the churches in France. The most common legend of St. Patrick is that he drove the snakes out of Ireland. Although many scholars think that this story is a myth mostly because of the fact that it seems impossible, many Irish people will tell you that there are absolutely no snakes in Ireland to this day. However, the lack of snakes in Ireland is due mostly to its geographic location and climate. The traditions of St. Patty’s Day today has little to do with the saint. People in Ireland consider the day to be a holy day, while Irish immigrants around the world use the day to celebrate their Irish pride and heritage. The Irish and non-Irish alike celebrate mostly in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and the United States by wearing green and clovers to represent their country. The Irish have always been notorious for their drinking habits and on St. Patrick’s Day many bars around the world dye their beer green. One of the best St. Patrick’s Day parties in town will be the celebration at Nine Fine Irishmen inside the New York New York hotel and casino. This traditional Irish pub is a popular watering hole on almost any day of the year and it would only make sense that the pub would be even more popular on St. Patty’s Day. Live Irish music is often playing over the roar of a fun and friendly crowd. The bar also serves authentic Irish food like mini rib eye pies or spicy sausages. Nine Fine Irishmen offers plenty of Irish beer on tap and in the bottle. There is no reason not to try them all, or at least that’s what the bartender will tell you. Las Vegas will also be hosting a St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Thousands of spectators will line the streets of Henderson. The parade starts at Ocean Road, travels down Water Street and ends at Victory Road. There will also be vendors and food served at the Henderson Events Plaza. The parade kicks off Saturday March 15 at 10:00 am. If you’re looking for something a little untraditional you may want to attend the Hooters hotel 3rd Annual Teeny Weeny Green Bikini Contest. On Saturday March 16 from 3:00-6:00 pm the Hooters girls will compete for cash prizes as patrons vote on which girl looks best in her St. Patty’s day attire. Celebrity guests will be judging the contests and there will also be a meet and great with the girls after the contest. All over town Las Vegas is turning green. Keep in mind; however, that St. Patty’s day is a popular travel day and hotels will book early. So reserve your hotel now. Who knows? The luck of the Irish may even help you win some green.
|
