St. Patrick's Day In Cairns
Observed on the 17th of March, St. Patrick's Day is famous around the world as the annual celebration paying homage to the patron saint of Ireland. And Cairns, home to many Irish migrants, is no different. Whether you’re a Cairns local, or a backpacker visiting the tropics of North Queensland, here’s some helpful info to make your next Paddy’s Day in Cairns a fun one.
ST. PATRICK’S DAY BACKGROUND
St. Patrick’s Day began in the 17th century, held in commemoration of the day Saint Patrick died. While St. Patrick was not originally from Ireland, he is famed for having introduced Christianity to the small isle as a priest from the United Kingdom.
Traditional and contemporary events are held in his honour every year by way of parades, parties, and people wearing St. Patrick's Day outfits in the famed Irish flag colours of green, white and orange for the occasion. What was once a temporary lifting of lent restrictions, has now morphed into a general celebration of the heritage and culture synonymous to Ireland. It’s a joyous get-together indulging in traditional Irish food, drinks and good craic.
IS ST. PATRICK’S DAY A PUBLIC HOLIDAY?
St. Patrick’s Day is not considered a national public holiday in Australia like it is in Ireland and other parts of the world. That being said, Australians do delight in a vibrant atmosphere and love any excuse to be festive, including participating in cultural celebrations like those held on St. Patrick’s Day. All across the country you’ll find countless Paddy’s Day parties, parades and Irish pub events to join in on the fun!
Other Ways To Celebrate St. Patrick's Day In Cairns
BEST WAYS TO CELEBRATE ST. PATRICK'S DAY IN CAIRNS
With Cairns being a tourism hotspot, it’s no surprise that you’ll likely find a collective of Irish backpackers visiting the beautiful region on a working holiday. And being a multicultural melting pot, Cairns proudly celebrates and embraces all holidays, making it the perfect place to also join the St. Paddy’s Day merriments. Here’s a list of the best ways to enjoy it!
Irish pubs and local eateries in Cairns
Cairns has no shortage of pubs and local eateries that whole-heartedly embrace the Irish spirit on St. Paddy’s Day. You’ll find a host of events featuring special Irish cuisine, Guinness on tap, live Irish music, giveaways, contests and even Irish dancing. Places like P.J. O'Brien's in Cairns City serves up all the Irish classics and delivers a lively atmosphere not only on St. Patrick’s Day, but every day of the week!
Attend a live Celtic performance
Cairns is home to a wide range of talented performing artists. What better way to get into the Irish spirit than by attending a live Celtic stage show like "Celtica" at the Cairns Performing Arts Centre. Marvel at some of the best Irish dancers tapping away to the beat of enthralling Irish music. It’s a beautiful fusion of vibrant energy, magnificent costumes and a display of skilled traditional dancers and contemporary Celtic musicians.
Celebrate outdoors in nature
Make the most of the warmer climate of Cairns by enjoying the festivities outdoors. Grab your mates and head down to the Esplanade Lagoon for a BBQ picnic in the park. If you have a car, head out to the Northern Beaches or the Atherton Tablelands for a tropical twist on the traditional Paddy’s Day celebrations. Swim in fresh waterfalls or get salty out on the Great Barrier Reef! There’s no end to the options available to you.
When celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, Cairns offers an abundance of ways to appreciate all there is to love about the Emerald Isle. From classical pub merry-making and traditional Celtic performances, to reef tours and friendly outdoor festivities, Cairns promises to provide a lively Paddy’s Day experience for everyone.
