Although I was busy with studying throughout the week and did not attend much of the musical or university events, I still heard the music through my window of my accomodation. Yes, I heard the drumline, celtic music (especially the bagpipes), and the liveliness of the city through my small window, a 15 minute walk away from the city centre. It made me very happy to hear it, even though I was occupied with my studies, because this is not how St. Paddy's is celebrated in the United States.
On St. Patrick's Day, I was up early and ready to enjoy the amazing events going on throughout town, hang out with my friends, and see how different the parade was from back home (it was quite different). It was full of culture, Celtic music, streets jam-packed with people, and so much green! If you weren't wearing green, you stood out. Even before attending the parade, my accomodation had a mini celebration with tons of food and free refreshments. The free food was amazing, but they also had live Irish music playing in the reception of the building. What a way to begin our day! People were celebrating from early in the morning until late at night; the whole city was busy. Not only were there celebrations in Belfast, but also throughout Ireland and Northern Ireland - one of the largest being Dublin, Ireland, where some of my friends decided to spend their St. Patrick's Day.
Northern Ireland and Ireland share this tradition to commemorate St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. He is known for bringing Christianity to the island around the 5th century. March 17th, the date of this holiday, marks St. Patrick's death and is recognized with festivity and admiration.
