You say you gave up cupcakes for Lent? No problem on St. Patrick’s Day–ENJOY!!

Hollywood, MD – The 17th of March will be here before you know it. Whether it’s a day to wear green, drink beer or eat corned beef—or do all three—odds are you won’t celebrate alone. Revelers, many who are no doubt tired of winter, gather at indoor and outdoor celebrations worldwide.

How did all the madness get started? That would take way too much research to figure out, and who cares anyway?

Instead, consider these semi-amazing facts about St. Patrick and St. Patrick’s Day (SPD).

March 17 is the day St. Patrick died, that occurred in 461 AD. He was in his mid-70s, probably an amazingly ripe old age by 461 standards. That was worth celebrating back then and is still popular today.

Since the 17th century SPD has been a Christian-celebrated holiday, observed by the Catholics, Lutherans, the Anglican Communion and the Eastern Orthodox church.

St. Patrick used the shamrock to explain the Trinity.

St. Patrick was not born in Ireland. He grew up in a wealthy family elsewhere in Britain, was kidnapped and taken to Ireland.

This detail is very important for those who have great religious fervor—on SPD Lenten restrictions on eating and drinking alcohol are lifted for the day!

While SPD is widely celebrated in the U.S. and Canada, it is a national holiday in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Newfoundland and Labrador.

Argentina is also among the countries that celebrate SPD. A huge parade is held in Buenos Aires.

Since 1999, Moscow, Russia has been the site of an annual SPD festival.

According to the web site “Bustle,” the “Most St. Patrick’s Day” town in America is Chicago. As many as 350,000 spectators are attracted to the Windy City for the March 17 revelry. The Chicago River is dyed green on this day.

Is SPD a good day to meet a person of destiny? Maybe, if you aren’t too blitzed. Many bars and pubs are filled with unattached persons. According to our research, a bar in Latham, NY is holding its fifth annual “St. Paddy’s Day Mingle.” Promoters are urging attendees to “wear your sexiest St. Patrick’s Day attire.” Sounds like a great idea, except for two things. One, it’s being held five days before St. Patrick’s Day and two, no single males are allowed.

Besides St. Patrick, famous people who died on March 17 include Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay, who was killed in a plane crash in 1957. On March 17, 1968, over 6,000 sheep were found dead as a result of nerve gas testing in Skull Valley, Utah. The names of the sheep were not released.

Famous people born March 17 include actors Rob Lowe, Kurt Russell and Gary Sinise; soccer star Mia Hamm, Olympic swimmer Katie Ledecky, Orioles slugger Chris Davis, the late singer Nat “King” Cole and wrestler Samoa Joe. Also the author of this piece was born on SPD.

Have a safe SPD and please consider recruiting or volunteering to be a designated driver if you plan to be celebrating.

Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com