The Irish term, Erin Go Bragh, has come to mean more than patriotism, especially on St. Patrick’s Day in California. We’re proud of our California roots and have many things to show off–we’re the place where Silicon Valley was founded, and we have more silicon breast implants and plastic surgeries performed than anywhere in the world.
It is no surprise that St. Patrick’s Day in California has become a celebration not unlike Halloween. Party City and other holiday costumers sell St. Patrick’s Day costumes, hats and funky accessories, especially touting the flirty, Irish girl attire that resembles a German dirndl with a short skirt. For retailers it provides an opportunity to sell the overstock of Sexy Santa outfits.
There are dozens of festivals and St. Patrick’s Day Parades in California, with the biggest celebrations taking place in San Francisco, San Diego, Hermosa Beach, Dublin, Sacramento and the Irish town of Murphys. San Francisco’s Irish Festival is Free while San Diego hosts two St. Patrick’s Day Festivals, charging admission fee for the popular shamROCK in Gaslamp Quarter but offering free admission to the festival in Balboa Park following the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
For restaurants and pubs, St. Patrick’s Day is one of their best attended days and top days for selling liquor, especially beer & Irish whiskey. California pubs and restaurants with Irish names put out large tents next to their buildings to host the overflow crowds for this special holiday.
Drinking tip: For every alcoholic drink consumed, balance it out with a glass of water to keep your body hydrated. You may make more trips to the bathroom, but you’ll feel better in the long run.
ST. PATRICK’S DAY HISTORY
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