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The Tucson Arizona
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The residents of Tucson, Arizona are not shy about celebrating holidays – not at all! And as a truly multi-cultural city, Tucsonans are offered quite a potpourri of options in this regard. From 4th of July (American Independence Day) to Dia de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead), Tucsonans have them all, and ceremonialize them all. And Saint Patrick’s Day is no exception. In Tucson, there's even a Saint Patrick’s Day Parade! But who is Saint Patrick and why do we celebrate him – of all the saints? Saint Patrick is the saint who is credited with spreading Christianity throughout pagan Ireland. Saint Patrick was born at Kilpatrick, near Dumbarton, in Scotland, in circa 387 and died at Saul, Downpatrick, Ireland, on 17 March, 493. [Some sources say he died circa 460, which while much more believable, is much less documented.] As a young man of about sixteen he was kidnapped from the British mainland and shipped to Ireland as a slave. He was sent to the mountains to be a shepherd and spent his time in prayer. After six years he had a dream in which he received a command to return to Britain. He saw this as a sign that he needed to escape. He studied in continental monasteries, eventually becoming a Catholic Priest and then a Bishop. He was sent by Pope Saint Celestine to convert England then Ireland. In thirty-three years he effectively converted Ireland. During the Middle Ages Ireland became known as the Land of the Saints, and its monasteries were the great repositories of learning in Europe, all a consequence of Saint Patrick’s ministry. According to legend, Saint Patrick also drove each and every snake from Ireland in ancient times, which is why there are no snakes on the island today. (In reality, snakes had never been native to Ireland, but it does make a great story, doesn’t it?) Saint Patrick’s Day is a traditional Irish Holiday that was brought to the states when the Irish emigrated here. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee of Tucson, a volunteer organization, meets year round every year to plan the festivities Tucsonans enjoy each March. They present the Saint Patrick’s Day parade, supported by volunteer donations of time, effort, and money from both Tucson individuals and Tucson businesses. (The Tucson St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be held Saturday March 18, 2006 at Jacome Plaza. The Festival opens at 10 AM, and the Parade starts at 11 AM.) The Tucson Irish Community is devoted to continuing their Irish traditions in a spirit of cooperation and good will. They also include the Scottish community in their group, which is good will indeed. For those of you who just can’t wait for the parade, the committee has a number of upcoming events with a definite Irish flair: Tucson Irish Community Singing Session - Saturday, January 21, 2006 End Note: |
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