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Culture & Lifestyle • Holiday

Saint Patrick's Day

Saint Patrick's Day is a religious and cultural holiday observed each year on 17 March.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Saint Patrick's Day is a religious and cultural holiday observed each year on 17 March. It commemorates Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, and is widely associated with Irish heritage and culture. In Canada, the day is widely observed culturally, and it is a public holiday for provincial government employees in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Date and observance

Saint Patrick's Day is celebrated annually on 17 March. In 2026, it falls on Tuesday, 17 March. The holiday is fixed on this date each year and is linked to the traditional date of Saint Patrick's death.

Origins

Cultural significance

Public holiday status

Key facts

  • Saint Patrick's Day is fixed on 17 March each year.
  • The holiday originated as a Christian feast day honouring Saint Patrick.
  • It expanded into a broader celebration of Irish culture and heritage.
  • It is a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, and for provincial government employees in Newfoundland and Labrador.
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Canadian context

In Canada, Saint Patrick's Day is widely observed culturally, and it is a public holiday for provincial government employees in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Frequently asked questions

When is St. Patrick's Day?
Saint Patrick's Day is on 17 March every year.
Why is it celebrated on March 17?
Tradition says March 17 is the date of Saint Patrick's death, and the feast day is observed on that date.
Is St. Patrick's Day a public holiday?
Yes, it is a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, and in some other places it is observed officially.
What is St. Patrick's Day about?
It honours Saint Patrick and also celebrates Irish heritage and culture.
Is it spelled 'St. Patty's Day'?
The common short form is 'St. Paddy's Day'; 'St. Patty's Day' is widely used but is often considered an incorrect spelling.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Patrick's_Day
    Supports: Date, origins, cultural significance, and public holiday observance including Newfoundland and Labrador.
  2. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Saint-Patricks-Day
    Supports: Annual observance on March 17 and historical/religious background.
  3. Ireland.ie — https://www.ireland.ie/en/st-patricks-day-2026/everything-you-need-to-know-about-st-patricks-day/
    Supports: Official Irish statement that the holiday is celebrated each year on 17 March.
  4. Time and Date — https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/us/st-patrick-day
    Supports: Fixed date of March 17 and 2026 weekday/date.
  5. BBC Newsround — https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/articles/cwydrnnnvqko
    Supports: Annual observance on March 17 and celebration of Irish heritage and culture.