Ottawa, Ontario. March 17 is the day to celebrate Irish culture. Saint Patrick’s Day or the National Holiday of Ireland is a Christian festival that celebrates Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Canadians across the country celebrate this day by sharing a drink with friends and family and listening to Celtic music.

This celebration is particularly special for MP Tilly O’Neill-Gordon because she herself is Irish. What’s more, the first Irish immigrants settled around Miramichi, the riding O’Neill-Gordon represents in the House of Commons.

“There are a lot of Irish in Canada. They’re warm people who like to have fun. Saint Patrick’s is a time to celebrate their contribution to Canadian culture,” said O’Neill-Gordon.

The Irish were the largest group, at around 30,000, to land in New Brunswick during the first half of the 19th century. No fewer than 3,822,665 Canadians reported having Irish ancestry in the 2001 census, whether in full or in part. This figure accounted for 13% of the Canadian population in 2001, practically equalling that of the entire population of Ireland (3.9 million).

Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated by Irish around the world, including expatriates and numerous emigrants, and its popularity has swept up the non-Irish, who participate in festivals and claim to be “Irish for a day.”

“I encourage you to wear green on March 17, whether you’re Irish or not. Throw on some green clothes and show your support for the Irish,” said the MP for Miramichi.

Thousands of people come together at Miramichi’s own Irish festival each year to celebrate and take part in a variety of activities: Irish dancing and music, cultural and musical workshops, family reunions, and stories and games for the little ones.

“Come celebrate with us in Miramichi on July 16-19. If you don’t find your old friends, you’re sure to make new ones. As we say in Miramichi, “Cead Mile Failte” or “One Hundred Thousand Welcomes,” said O’Neill-Gordon.