And what happens here in Belfast.
Drunken debauchery, mostly.
Most people have the day off and so they start drinking early. Simon took Adam to daycare as usual today (so we could do things around the house without Adam underfoot, a rare occurrence!) and people were already queueing at Tesco with booze to buy.
Simon was a bit concerned about my going to pick Adam up for 5 due to people having been drinking all day. But it was really no big deal.
For one thing, there were cops everywhere on my main route. For another, all of the pubs and bars had very obvious security standing outside and, I’m sure, inside.
I did see people already drunk at 430. But I also saw a lot of people just having fun. Wearing big green hats. Wearing those headbands with shamrocks at the ends of springs. Laughing. Hanging out with their friends. Enjoying a gorgeous early spring evening and, yes, having a drink.
So how are Simon and I celebrating St Patrick’s Day?
Well, we cleaned the flat without a small boy underfoot.
Then we had some smoked salmon for lunch.
Then we napped.
Then I got Adam from daycare and Simon cooked spaghetti.
And now a small boy is fast asleep (at 730, whoohoo!) and Simon and I are sharing some Stella and having an Easter Egg.
So Happy St Patrick’s Day.
And enjoy the craic!
That sounds so much better than how it typically goes here in at least some of the towns where it’s a big thing. I know of some bars that have decided to stay closed because the damage due to fights and penalties that resulted weren’t worth it.