Culture
The guide to St. Patrick's in Boston
By Christie Merino/ Gavel Media
An estimated 13 million pints of Guinness are consumed worldwide on St. Patrick’s Day. While Ireland most likely drinks the majority of those pints, Boston is also known to hold a fair share Boin that statistic; after all, the first parade celebrating ston’s this day was not held in Ireland—it was right here in biggest parade Boston. So before you head out in your green and of the year is the event orange garb in search of green beer and a pot of that every freshman gold, here are a few events and spots to keep needs to have on their BC bucket list. The St. Parin mind. Photo courtesy of Jenuinne Captures/Flickr
tick’s Day Parade this year marks the 113th anniversary of this over-the-top event. Up to one million Bostonians line the streets cheering for the Irish-American tradition that has fostered the rich, vibrant communities we know and love today. The parade takes place in South Boston, starting near the Broadway T station on the Red Line and ending at Andrews Square. This year the parade will be held on St. Patrick’s Day itself, Mar. 17, starting at 1 p.m. and lasting about three hours. The trip from BC will undoubtedly take time, so plan ahead! You’ll want great spots on the sidewalks to see every float. Faneuil Hall Marketplace will also be holding its own St. After Patrick’s Day themed festival the same day as the parade in losing the freshSouth Boston. Free Irish music and dancing will be taking man 15, what better way place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring local groups like to celebrate your newBay Street Pipers, Wood School of Irish Step Danfound healthy lifestyle than cing, Academy of Irish Step and O’Dwyer School running the St. Patrick’s Day 5K of Irish Dance. race in South Boston? Or, you could just sign up with your friends to raise money for the South Boston Boys and Girls Club. Either way, this event will be a great way to spend your Sunday morning on March 17th. The race will cap at 1,750 runners, so sign up early! You’ll still have time to take a celebratory jog over to the parade afterwards. Bonus: the first 600 people to register will get an official shirt designed by the Dropkick Murphys.
Photo courtesy of Paco Lyptic/Flickr
For Freshmen:
Photo courtesy of Kevin Harber/Flickr
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March 2013
Photo courtesy of Joe Shablotnik/Flickr
For Sophomores:
Looking for the most authentic Irish pub you can get? Look no further than The Black Rose. Located in the heart of Boston, this bar’s staff attempts to greet patrons with a real Gaelic brogue. With plenty of beers on tap and several popular mixed drinks, you won’t be disappointed by the selection. The menu in general is something to behold; its signature corned beef is “to die for,” according to CBS Boston. Another Irish hot spot, McGanns, located near North Station and the TD Garden, is the ideal sports bar for any Boston fan. With around 50 beers on tap and bottled, plus delicious comfort food, this bar will undoubtedly be hopping on St. Patrick’s Day. Normally featuring a Celtics game or soccer match on the television during the day, this bar switches over to live entertainment to keep the party going all night. Photo courtesy of Lukosk/Flickr
For Seniors:
This may well be your last St. Patrick’s Day in Boston in the foreseeable future. We’ll miss you dearly. But how exactly does one make senior year even better than two historic days of cancelled school, four consecutive Beanpot victories and a National Championship in 2010 and 2012? How about celebrating St. Patty’s Day with the Dropkick Murphys? The band will be in Boston the weekend of St. Patrick’s Day, at the TD Garden the 15th, Brighton Music Hall on the 16th and finally the House of Blues on the 17th. If you can’t make it to the show, a rowdy Irish pub should do the trick. McGreevey’s, which dates back to 1894, is said to be the home of the Dropkick Murphys. With a countdown until St. Patrick’s Day on the top of their website, you can bet this place is serious about celebrating. This bar will not disappoint, with a booked event calendar and stocked menu full of only the most Irish of foods. That, and its record of being voted the “best sports bar in Boston” and the “first of its kind in America” might be an indicator of a good time.
Photo courtesy of Lansing Jaycees/Flickr
No matter what class you’re in, Gavel Media encourages you to celebrate your Irish heritage safely and responsibly on St. Patrick’s Day.
Photo courtesy of Jacqueline TInney/Flickr
For Juniors:
Photo courtesy of Lansing Jaycees/Flickr
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