St. Patrick's Day: Where to be and what to do this holiday

LAFAYETTE, Ind. − Happy St. Patrick's Day! Looking for fun ways to celebrate this Irish holiday? Here are a few local events, restaurants and traditions to enjoy this Friday.

St. Patrick's Day's origin

Annually celebrated on March 17, St. Patrick's Day has been observed as a religious holiday for over 1,000 years, according to History.com.

St. Patrick lived during the fifth century, and is the patron saint of Ireland and the country's national apostle.

"Born in Roman Britain, he was kidnapped and brought to Ireland as a slave at 16," History.com's website says. "He later escaped, but returned to Ireland and was credited with bringing Christianity to its people.

"In the centuries following Patrick’s death (believed to have been on March 17, 461), the mythology surrounding his life became ever more ingrained in the Irish culture: Perhaps the most well-known legend of St. Patrick is that he explained the Holy Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) using the three leaves of a native Irish clover, the shamrock."

St. Patrick's Day falls during the Christian season of Lent. Traditionally on the holiday, Irish families would attend church in the morning and celebrate in the afternoon, History's website says.

"Lenten prohibitions against the consumption of meat were waived and people would dance, drink and feast on the traditional meal of Irish bacon and cabbage," the article says.

Local celebrations

One restaurant, Nine Irish Brothers — which has one location in Lafayette and one in West Lafayette — will be the place to be on St. Patrick's Day with a full day of celebrations.

Doors will open at 11 a.m. Music from traditional Irish and Scottish folk band Lachlan will be provided at noon and at 9:30 p.m. At 2 p.m., Highland Reign, a progressive Scots-American folk-rock group, will be performing at the Lafayette location.

"Highland Reign … takes the tunes of the old country and breathes a rocking new life into them," the band's website says. "With wailing bagpipes/guitar tunes, the lilt of the Scots-Irish fiddle, rocking percussion and upbeat vocals, Highland Reign will rock you back to the old country."

At 3 p.m., local musician Shawn Fitzpatrick will also perform live music.

From 7-9 p.m. Friday at Nine Irish, local musicians will be participating in an Irish "trad session" — a gathering of musicians to play traditional Irish music.

"A session — or seisiun — is simply an opportunity for guests with the knowledge and ability to play traditional Irish music," the description on Home of Purdue's website says. "Stop by, have a listen, and if you're able, join in."

After 3 p.m. Friday, no minors will be allowed at Nine Irish Brothers.

On Saturday, ShowBiz Dog Resort will host the "St. Patrick's Day Main Street .1k."

"This is the non-endurance race you have been waiting for," the event's description says. "Enjoy a flat, fast course on historic Main Street in Downtown Lafayette. Enjoy a hydration station halfway at the .05K mark at Thieme and Wagner."

Race participants will receive a commemorative shirt, a custom event medal and a free beer, according to the description. Dogs are welcome at this event as long as they are leashed.

Proceeds from the event will go toward the Almost Home Humane Society. Check-in and registration for the race will be from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday. The run/walk will begin at 1 p.m. Online registration is available until 11 p.m. Friday night. Cost is $25.

More:Renovated Lafayette dog boarder gets new name, ShowBiz Dog Resort

At 9 p.m. Friday, "St. Patty's Day Shenanigans" will take place at Curley's Neighborhood Bar & Indoor Golf Club, 3269 Teal Road in Lafayette.

"Join us for some shenanigans," the event's description says. "Luna Worldcast will be providing awesome live music. There are sure to be specials on Irish Car Bombs (and) Guinness."

St. Patrick's Day traditions

From traditional foods to activities, there are plenty of ways to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.

Let's start off with one of the most important facets of this holiday: food.

Ireland has a rich history of traditional food eaten year-round that can be especially celebrated on St. Patrick's Day. Ever tried Irish potato candy? March 17 is as good a time as any to give it a try. Not potatoes at all, Irish potato candy — available both for purchase and as an easy homemade treat — is a coconut truffle covered in cinnamon that resembles a potato.

Other Irish fare, such as corned beef and cabbage, bangers and mash, Shepard's pie and more, would make for fun family-cooking time at home or for a celebratory night out — perhaps at one of previously mentioned Nine Irish Brothers' locations.

Less traditional food, such a themed cupcakes or boozy-themed desserts would also make for a fun holiday baking activity at home. Who's to stop you from dyeing your Guinness beer green in your own kitchen?

According to Ireland-Information.com, traditional St. Patrick's Day activities typically include wearing green — which dates back to the seventeenth or eighteenth century, attending St. Patrick's Day parades, and enjoying a traditional Irish dinner.

Whether you're staying in to make corned beef and cabbage or hitting a night on the town at local Irish bars, Greater Lafayette offers plenty to celebrate this St. Patrick's Day.

Margaret Christopherson is a reporter for the Journal & Courier. Email her at mchristopherson@jconline.com and follow her on Twitter @MargaretJC2.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Traditional Irish fare and events are aplenty in Lafayette for St. Patrick's Day