Celebrate the Luck of the Irish

By edhat staff

Happy St. Patrick’s Day edhat readers! Enjoy the immense collection of shamrocks, rainbows, pots of gold, and everything green.

While the day is rooted in religious undertones, marking the death of Ireland’s patron Saint Patrick, Irish immigrants brought the festivities to the United States as early as 1737.

It’s estimated approximately $5.6 billion will be spent on March 17 this year, reports Wallethub. That’s approximately $40 per patron that’s celebrating. Speaking of gold, Wallethub also estimates that Leprechaun’s pot of gold would be valued around $1.3 million today if it contained 1,000 one-ounce gold coins.

Nearly 33 million partiers around the worldwide are expected to raise pints of Guinness and chug Irish car bomb cocktails for Ireland’s sake. The holiday ranks 3rd in the country’s popular drinking days following New Year’s Eve and Mardi Gras, as the average person is expected to consume 4.2 drinks.

Unfortunately with drinking comes drunk driving. In 2017, 59 people were killed in DUI-related collisions with 32% being pedestrians. If you plan to drink this holiday weekend, be sure to take a cab or Lyft to safely get back home.

While some think this holiday is centered around alcohol, they’re forgetting the tasty and comforting food options. Corned beef, potatoes, and cabbage are one of the most popular dishes enjoyed during St. Patrick’s Day. Other favorites include shepherd’s pie, corned beef and hash, and Irish Soda Bread.

Last year, we published a story about a trip our publisher made to Dingle, Ireland, one of Santa Barbara’s sister cities. Fun fact, all of Santa Barbara’s sister cities have dolphin statues created by our very own Bud Bottoms.

Read more about Lauren’s trip to Dingle here.

Dingle, Ireland

St. Patrick’s Day Events on Sunday, March 17

A Wee Tap Takeover for St. Paddy’s Day at The Garden from 11:00 a.m – 10:00 p.m. FREE (more info)
St. Patrick’s Sunday Funday at the Hotel Californian from 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. $25 (more info)
Rooftop Shenanigans at the Kimpton Canary Hotel from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. FREE (more info)
Limericks & Lyrics Festive Benefit Concert at the New Vic from 4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Varied Ticket Prices (more info)
Spencer & The Worried Lads Annual St. Patrick’s Day Bash at SOhO Music Club from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. $7 (more info)