Saint Patrick's day 2010

Famed throughout the world, Saint Patrick's day otherwise known as Paddy's Day is a celebration of the Irish saint, Patrick who reputedly brought Christianity to the Irish people. Paddy's day is celebrated each year on the 17th March. The St. Patrick's day parade is now synonymous with Paddy's day and floats and marchers join at this time to process through Dublin's streets and celebrate being Irish.

What nationality was Saint Patrick, this great Irish saint?

Well, he was actually born in Roman Britain, maybe Carlisle! Yes, our national hero is a Briton. He was captured by the Irish and brought back to Ireland as a slave and was put to work as a herdsman and remained here for six years. In his own words, God spoke to him and told him that a ship was waiting for him and that he should make good his escape which he did. Well, he doesn't seem to have held it against us bless him, and he returned here to save our souls for Christianity!

How many floats usually make up the New York St. Paddy's day parade?

100? 200? 500? In fact, floats, cars, trucks or any kind of vehicle are prohibited in what is probably the biggest St. Patrick's day parade in the world! Yes, since 1766 when the first Irish folk marched to the old St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York.

Lá le Pádraig

That's Gaelic for Patrick's day and is pronounced law le (e, as in 'let') pawdrig, so now you can impress some of your Irish-speaking friends this year!

The official St. Patrick's day festival web site
St Patrick's Day official site