St Patrick's Day and drinking

This is how we started the latest ClevelandPeople.Com eNews blast.

While many outside the community wrongfully joke that St Patrick's Day is one big drunken party, the fact is that much of the actual Irish community begin the day celebrating Mass (See below for St Colman's Mass and activities for example) and then enjoy the day responsibly.  The media loves to show a picture of some teen acting up after having his first beers but in reality that stereotype is dated, insulting  and just plain wrong.   99% of the people celebrating will enjoy the week's events and the Parade in a responsible manner.  Don't be fooled by the 1% who attract all the attention.

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St Patrick's Day

Don’t believe the exaggerations from the media that St Patrick’s Day is a drunken bash.  The few problems, usually from a handful of young people who are not Irish or could care less about the cultural significance of the day, make for great TV highlights but do not reflect the spirit of the day.

Many Irish start the day with Mass – it is a religious holiday in Ireland – and there is even an event called Sober Seventeenth, a family friendly, alcohol free event.  Whether you are Irish or not, enjoy Cleveland’s biggest parade.

It’s always fun to see the Cleveland Asian Festival marching in the Parade.  Hopefully Paramjit Singh, a Sikh friend, will wear his green turban again.   There will also be marchers from the Polish community and frequently Hungarians, Ukrainians and other participate as well with all the Irish groups. 

It's a great day for all.