In 1991, the U.S. Congress designated March as Irish-American Heritage Month.
Saint Patrick introduced Christianity to Ireland in the fifth century, and Saint Patrick’s Day was originally a religious holiday to honor him. It has evolved into a celebration of being Irish and Ireland. On March 17, 1762, New York City hosted the first Saint Patrick’s Day parade. Irish soldiers serving in the English military were featured. President Harry Truman attending the parade in 1948, and it has become an annual event.
Spending
Consumers plan to spend an average of $40 for Saint Patrick’s Day this year, according to a survey conducted for the National Retail Federation. Unlike other holidays where consumer spending has grown, the average amount consumers spend has stayed the same even as the nation recovered from the Great Recession.
However, among some age groups, the percentage of consumers who plan to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day each year is growing. A decade ago, about half of consumers under the age of 35 planned to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day; today it’s more than 70 percent.
Younger consumers like the social parts of the holiday, planning to celebrate at a bar or restaurant or making party plans with friends. Men under the age of 35 are twice as likely as women to say they’re planning to host a party.
More than 70 percent of consumers plan to wear green on St. Patrick’s Day.
Facts and figures
The U.S. Census Bureau offers the following information on Saint Patrick’s Day:
32.6 million or 10.1%
The number and percentage of U.S. residents who claimed Irish ancestry in 2017.
124,411
The number of foreign-born U.S. residents in 2017 who said Ireland was their birthplace.
31.1%
The county with the highest percentage of people with Irish ancestry in 2017 was Plymouth County, Massachusetts.
20,590
The estimated number of U.S. residents who speak Irish Gaelic.
Shopping
Things to buy in March include chocolate, frozen food, luggage, cruises, gift cards, winter clothing, and luggage, according to DealNews.com. Wait to buy android phones, lingerie, and spring clothing.
Travel
What are the best places to celebrate Saint Patrick’s day this year?
Here are the top cities, according to WalletHub, a personal finance website:
- Chicago
- Philadelphia
- Madison, Wisconsin
- Boston
- Tampa, Florida
- Naperville, Illinois
- New York
- Pittsburgh
- Rockford, Illinois
- Dayton, Ohio
