Green-luminescent pyramids, a colored river and lots of goblins - St. Patrick's Day is a big party above all, and it's also very popular beyond Ireland's borders. But what is Ireland's national holiday really all about and what else should you know before you plunge into the fray?

Who was Saint Patrick?

Saint Patrick is the patron and national saint of the Irish. The Christian missionary converted Ireland to Christianity in the 5th century. Even today, numerous legends surround the bishop. There are certain facts about Saint Patrick but few. On 17 March 493 he is said to have died. In his honor, St. Patrick's Day takes place in mid-March.

How is it celebrated?

St. Patrick's Day has long been celebrated privately in Ireland. Only in recent years has the national holiday on the green island become an event. With parades in the streets of Dublin, Cork or Limerick trying to attract tourists. After the parade, the festivities continue in the pub.

Incidentally, the first St. Patrick's Day parade did not take place in Ireland, but in the US - in 1737 it was held in Boston. And today, the biggest parades outside of Ireland are in New York, Chicago and Boston. But elsewhere, too, on the 17th, it's greener than usual: that's how the pyramids of Giza and the Sydney Opera House were illuminated.

And in Germany?

The biggest parade in Germany takes place in Munich. There, however, the St. Patrick's Day was relocated for a weekend this year. Anyone who would like to toast Saint Patrick is certainly welcome in every Irish pub in his city.

Is there a dress code?

Green, preferably from head to toe - that puts you on the safe side.

What is drunk?

On St. Patrick's Day is neatly launched - especially, of course, with Ireland's national drink Guinness. However, the goblins often can not keep their fingers off the beer and turn the drink green. The color can ever stubbornly get stuck on the mouth and teeth, but the beer tastes good anyway. So Slainte! - Cheers!

Caution, danger of confusion!

Four-leaf shamrocks bring luck. However, the unofficial national symbol of the Irish, a shamrock, has only three leaves. The Irish shamrock is one of the attributes of Saint Patrick and also represents the Trinity of God in Christianity. Shamrock and lucky clover are confused more often.

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No party without music:

Ireland has live music in many pubs. But to get you into the right mood on St.Patrick's Day, there are also some Irishfolk classics with tin whistle, fiddle and bagpipe. A song that can not be missed on the 17th of March is the story of the "Galway Girl".