Toronto downtown buzzed with energy at the March 17 St. Patrick’s Day celebrations that transformed the area into a lively hub of green-clad revellers.
Residents and tourists embraced the Irish spirit by joining festive parades and lively pub gatherings, indulging in traditional Irish food and toasting with green-coloured beverages.
Diverse groups of people enjoying St. Patrick's Day together. Photo credit: Niharika Nayak
The world celebrates St. Patrick’s Day honouring the Patron Saint of Ireland, St. Patrick.
Originally celebrated with religious feasts and services, St. Patrick’s Day became a secular celebration of Irish culture when it reached North America alongside Irish immigrants.
Meghan Smith, a registered nurse, shared her excitement about celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with friends at a lively pub downtown.
“I am here to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and embrace our Irish traditions,” Smith said. “When I’m at home and my parents are home, we will have corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, and all that. I think it’s a holiday of just kind of gathering and enjoying each other’s company.”
Bars and pubs in downtown Toronto were abuzz with the Irish green and the 4-leaf clover.
Goran Jovanovic, general manager of The Goodman Pub and Kitchen, said there is a significant increase in business.
“St. Patrick’s Day is always a great time for us. We see a 60 per cent increase in business during this period,” Jovanovic said. “People love to enjoy green beer, Irish whiskey and Guinness while soaking in the festive ambiance.”
The celebrations weren’t just limited to beverages. There were also plenty of themed decorations, Irish music and even green-themed menu items.
“We include Irish music and decorations in the festivities and the majority of people book in advance to secure their spots for the celebration,” he said.
Charlotte Figura, a bartender at the Goodman Pub and Kitchen, shared insights into the evolving dynamics of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
She said that an increasing number of people are actively looking for chances to connect socially and have fun.
“I feel like people nowadays just want an excuse to go out, wear some green, and have a good time with friends, and Saint Patrick’s Day is a great way to do that,” Figura said. “I did notice it was a lot busier this year. I’m not sure if it’s because suddenly the weather’s so nice and everything.”
She was dressed in vibrant shades of green and even donned green nail varnish and a four-leaf clover necklace to stay in tune with the celebrations.
Charlotte Figura mixing cocktails at the bar. Photo credit: Niharika Nayak
“People want to drink green. It’s fun to serve green beers! But, I mean, Guinness is the drink of Saint Patrick’s Day,” Figura said. “We also offer cocktails and special menu items for those looking for something different.”
St. Patrick’s Day festivities in downtown Toronto showcased a blend of traditional Irish customs and a spirit of unity as people from all backgrounds came together to celebrate this cherished cultural event.