Our beloved St. Patrick’s day festivities may look a little different this year. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, traditional parades, pub crawls, feasts, and other Gaelic-inspired activities will have to be adjusted.
State and local ordinances designed to keep you safe this holiday do not mean there is no fun to be had. Maybe keep the kissing and pinching to a minimum unless you’re equipped with a holster full of hand sanitizer, and all kissing is done under the protection of a face cover.
Celebrating; Redefined
Here in Las Vegas, we’ve lit up our neon lights and dusted off the welcome sign to usher in guests yet again. You’re in for a good time as long as you’re covered, keeping your distance, and frequently washing your hands. Need a snazzy new face cover to help you celebrate your definitely not newfound Irish ancestry? I recommend the Boomer Naturals™ Silver-Infused Face Cover in the charm school or lucky tartan pattern to match your shamrock-chic look.
Last month Las Vegas received an updated mandate that restaurants and bars are now allowed to increase their indoor seating capacity to 35%. The new ordinance also states that restaurants and bars with outdoor seating and patios may open these outdoor spaces with no limit on capacity. Good news for all party-goers means the bars will be open, and the green beer will be flowing.
Many cities across the country have opened their doors to guests and welcomed back their regulars. You may not be able to gather with all of your friends, but you and a few friends may gather to eat, drink, and be merry in most places.
Along with restaurants being able to have a higher capacity, the number of people allowed to attend public gatherings has also increased. If you’re lucky enough to be in a city with a traditional St. Patrick’s Day parade, be sure to participate in style while maintaining the recommended six feet apart from those not in your immediate party.
Keeping It Cozy
Whether you’ve always been more of a homebody or the pandemic has made you one, there are plenty of ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at home. You could have an Irish-themed get-together or a potluck with a few friends and family members to celebrate the life of the patron saint of Ireland. Below are some Irish and Irish-American recipes sure to bring the luck of the Irish you’re way come March 17th.
- Green Beer: While this certainly isn’t a traditional Irish festivity, bars across America will be gearing up for St. Paddy’s Day with green beer by the barrel. For this recipe, you’ll want to ditch the delicious but slightly too dark Guinness in favor of a lighter beer. I recommend going with a pilsner or a pale lager such as Budweiser or Coors. Have fun with it, and make sure to drink responsibly.
- Classic Irish Soda Bread: Traditionally used to soak up hearty stews, this tasty treat is steeped in Irish history. While it looks as though it could have ancient Celtic roots, this bread was actually adopted by the Irish from Native American recipes in the early 1800s. This bread’s popularity rose because it only needs four base ingredients; flour, baking soda, sour milk, and salt, which were relatively easy to come by in those days.
- Corned Beef and Cabbage: Yes, this may be America’s favorite St. Patrick’s Day recipe, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying this delicious meal. This Irish-American classic can be adapted to suit your family’s liking. This recipe calls for a dutch oven but can easily be made using your trusty crockpot with a few minor adjustments. Pair this hearty meal with the above-mentioned Irish Soda bread recipe for a meal the whole family will love.
- Chocolate Guinness Cake: No holiday is complete without dessert!! I’d give this chocolatey slice of heaven a try if you’re looking to impress with your baking prowess. Don’t worry; I won’t tell them it only takes an hour to make. It would be a crime to leave out the Guinness on St. Patrick’s Day, maybe enjoy a sip or two while you’re baking away, you know, for science.
St. Patrick’s Day History
St. Patrick’s day originated as a feast day for Irish Catholics as a holiday to break lent and enjoy all of their favorite foods. The original celebration festivities did not include copious amounts of Guinness and green beer. In fact, until the 1970s, it was illegal for pubs to remain open on St. Patrick’s Day. (Mulraney,2020)
Over the years, the celebration evolved to celebrate more than just St. Patrick; St. Patrick’s day has become a worldwide celebration of Irish heritage. Today there are parades, parties, and festivals that take place all over the world.
Conclusion
Whether you’re Irish, your ancestors were Irish, or you just wish you were Irish, stay safe this St. Patrick’s Day. There is no wrong way to celebrate, except maybe not celebrating at all. No matter how you choose to celebrate this year, know that you’ve got a partner in keeping you and your loved ones safe in Boomer Naturals.