Irish immigration to Canada
1.2 million Irish immigrants arrived from 1825 to 1970.
Between 1825 and 1845, 60% of all immigrants to Canada were Irish.
The 2006 census by Statistics Canada, Canada's Official Statistical office, revealed that the Irish were the 4th largest ethnic group, with 4,354,000 Canadians or 15% of the country's total population.
Many Canadian politicians have Irish heritage.
St Patrick's day Celebrations
The first St. Patrick’s Day parades were held in North America in the 17th century.
Canada’s first St. Patrick’s Day parade was held in Montreal in 1824.
As Irish immigrants spread around the world, St. Patrick’s feast day became less of a religious observance and more of a celebration of Irish identity.
Typical celebrations include dressing in green, displaying Irish symbols such as the shamrock, and drinking green beer.
And for some unknown reason, everyone (Irish or not) enjoys dressing in green and celebrating by drinking alcohol (often drinking far too much).
About me and St Patrick’s Day
I don’t celebrate St Patrick’s Day for a couple of reasons.
- The first and foremost reason is that I don’t drink, so everyone would say I was a party pooper.
- The second reason is I have no connection with Ireland or Irish heritage.
- The last reason is that the celebration involves much too much heavy, excessive drinking, by anyone who wants an excuse to act foolish (including many people who are not Irish at all).
I know the words shamrock , leprechaun, limerick and banshee.
I do not know shanachie and Claddagh.
This year’s celebrations will likely be very subdued and may be cancelled completely.