The Saint Patrick’s Day festival brings Dublin IE to Dublin CA
On March 12th to 13th, the annual Saint Patrick’s Day festival and parade took place at the Dublin Civic Center.
Starting the celebration off, a parade of sports teams, vintage decked out cars, and school students showcased their green wear while advertising their group.
“We are here to celebrate St. Patty’s day! The parade has been closed for I think two years now. It’s important to support the teams that march through here. I feel like this parade is a celebration for the holiday itself but also to bring normality and bring the people back out,” said parade-goer Rick Celemin.
After the parade, there was great excitement as groups of people shifted towards the festival. There were over 250 vendors set up around the area. From Irish-inspired products like welsh cakes and Celtic candles to a full tea cottage, there was something for everyone.
“We’re a local candle company, we use all natural, eco-friendly products. We are here selling Irish whiskey candles in Irish whiskey bottles, and we’ve also made some candles with celtic knots on them,” said founder of Fiamma Candles Lorena Cicciari.
The authentic Irish dancing featured at the festival transports attendees to Ireland, with lines of dancers taking the stage to perform many different styles.
“I am one of the adult dancers part of McGrath Irish dance, and this is our first time performing as a big group in three years because we were off 2 years from the pandemic so it’s really awesome. There are maybe about 30 girls and a smaller group of adults dancing,” said dancer Erica Rodgers.
Attend the parade and festival next St. Patrick’s Day to enjoy authentic Irish dancing, food, and Irish themed booths.
Kids in the front row got many gifts and presents given to them by organization or team members.
Vintage cars were decked out in charities and organizations, along with green flare.
One of the teachers from the elementary school holds up a green pom-pom, leading the way down the parade line.
Dublin Elementary School kids walked with their parents and teachers in the parade, all dressed in green.
Dogs are also welcome the Dublin Parade with leashes and of course a hint of green!
Beautiful jewlery, like bracelets and necklaces, were seen at many of the booths.
Sold at one of the booths were celtic steins, goblets, and mugs, showcasing the culture of the Irish.
Irish dancers took upon the stage to show off their well rehearsed performaces.
Bagpipes, an intrument commonly paired with Irish music, was played all throughout the festival.
Those attending the festival, decked out in shamrock leaves and bright green colors.
Not all booths were irish-inspired, these handmade leather crafts were very popular at the festival.
Celtic handmade journals were a consumer favorite when shopping through the booths.
As people walked around the booths, bagpipers played beautiful irish music.
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