Dublin's St. Patrick’s Day has been canceled amid coronavirus fears
Several St. Patrick’s Day events in Dublin, Ireland, including the main parade on March 17, have been canceled “in the best interest of public health.”
Observed around the world, St. Patrick’s Day is a cultural celebration of St. Patrick, the primary patron saint of Ireland. Festivities generally include parades, mass, and social gatherings involving green drinks, hats, and shamrocks.
The main day parade in Ireland’s capital city attracts more than 500,000 people annually. Organizers of St. Patrick’s Festival are asking for the public’s patience as they manage the cancellation.
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“We would ask for continued patience as the festival team endeavor to communicate with the thousands of participants from home and abroad who are involved in the events which are not proceeding,” said organizers in a press release.
The following events have also been canceled:
- March 17 — National St. Patrick’s Festival Parade, Dublin
- March 14 to 17 — Festival Village, Merrion Square, Dublin
- March 15 — Treasure Hunt, Dublin
- March 17 — Céilí Mór, Merrion Square, Dublin
Over 100 small to medium scale events will still take place between March 13 and 17.
Ireland’s Public Health Emergency Team made the recommendation to cancel the National St. Patrick’s Festival Parade in Dublin the same day it confirmed three new cases of coronavirus (COVID-19). The country now has 24 confirmed cases.
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