There were plenty of Irish eyes smiling in Maitland on St Patrick’s Day as locals gathered to take part in a global celebration of Irish culture.
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Maitland Irish themed pub, Shenanigans at The Imperial, started its celebrations early last Thursday bringing in three days of Guinness, Irish fare and entertainment.
March 17 is a date that was set to not only celebrate Irish culture, but to remember St Patrick, one of Ireland's patron saints, who ministered Christianity in Ireland during the fifth century.
What began as a religious feast day in the 17th century has evolved into a variety of festivals across the globe celebrating Irish culture with parades, special foods, music, dancing, and a whole lot of green.
Licensee at The Imperial Clayton Barrett, said St Patrick’s day is certainly alive and well in Maitland. “It was a very successful day with about 300 people coming to the hotel during the course of the day,” he said.
Mr Barrett said some people travelled from Newcastle and the Central Coast for the Maitland entertainment however most of the revellers were mainly local residents, many Irish ex-pats who celebrated in true style.
“There were a lot of families here as well, so it was a great day out for children too,” Mr Barrett said. “We had live bands all day, Irish dancers and traditional Irish food prepared by our Irish chef Gavin Forman.”
So why all the green? People celebrating the day thought wearing green made them invisible to leprechauns (fairy creatures) who would pinch anyone they could see not wearing green.
