Tomorrow, we get set to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, honoring, of course, St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.
The holiday has become a significant cultural and religious holiday worldwide. The history of St. Patrick’s Day in the United States dates back to the late 18th century when Irish immigrants, particularly those escaping the Great Famine in the mid-1800s, began arriving in significant numbers.
They brought their traditions, including the celebration of St. Patrick, with them, and this holiday soon became a way for Irish Americans to celebrate their heritage and cultural identity.
In the early days, St. Patrick’s Day was a more solemn, religious occasion. However, as Irish immigrants grew in number and influence, particularly in major cities like New York and Boston, the celebration began to evolve into a more festive and public event.
The first recorded St. Patrick’s Day parade in the United States was held in New York City in 1762, organized by Irish soldiers serving in the British military. Over time, these parades became a cornerstone of the holiday’s celebration, with vibrant displays of Irish pride, music, dancing, and, of course, the color green.
By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, St. Patrick’s Day had grown into a celebration not just for Irish Americans, but also for anyone interested in Irish culture. The day became synonymous with parades, festivals, and public revelry, and Irish-themed pubs and bars became common spots for both Irish Americans and non-Irish to celebrate.
In Pittston, St. Patrick’s Day holds special significance with its rich Irish heritage, with many of its early settlers being Irish immigrants who worked in coal mining.
The celebration of St. Patrick’s Day in Pittston has become an important part of the community’s identity. The city’s annual St. Patrick’s Day parade is one of the largest and most cherished events of the year, drawing thousands of spectators and participants, as we know, if you’ve never taken part in the parade. The parade, which has been held since the 1930s before it took a bit of an hiatus before bringing it back 12 years ago, always features marching bands, Irish dancers, and a wide variety of local groups, reflecting Greater Pittston’s strong sense of community.
For many in Pittston, the holiday is not only a day to celebrate Irish roots but also an opportunity to bring the community together which is the best part of parade day — unless, of course, you own a bar downtown marked by a deep sense of pride, with both local businesses and residents embracing the spirit of the day.
Even though the Irish population in Pittston around 1900 was estimated at 80%, times have changed and in 2025, that number is down to 11%, according to City-Data.com, with the city made up of Italians (27%), Polish (10%), Germans (8.4%), English (3.5%), and Lithuanians (2.6%).
From the parade to the many pub gatherings, St. Patrick’s Day in Pittston is a true reflection of the city’s Irish-American legacy, making it an essential part of the town’s cultural fabric.
Tomorrow, the Greater Pittston Friendly Sons of St. Patrick will hold their annual St. Patrick’s Day dinner at The Banks, it’s the first time the event will be held in Pittston for quite some time and I know many people are happy to bring it back to town where it rightfully and properly belongs.
The Friendly Sons honored Erin Burke Weiss as the 2025 Irish Woman of the Year at The Banks, which has also been brought back to Pittston, and it was lovely. I was fortunate to cover the even complete with the Joyce Irish School of Dance putting on a great performance for the predominant female audience.
Reel in the Years entertained and The Refinery prepared a fantastic meal and Erin was just tickled pink about the honor.
There is one more Irish-related event to cover, the Greater Pittston Chamber of Commerce Women’s Network St. Patrick’s Day Dinner honoring the annual Distinguished Woman of the Year.
This year the event has been moved to Friday, March 28, due to scheduling issues with honoree, Rose Ferentino Grimes. The event will be held at the usual location, Fox Hill Country Club.
The Women’s Network is awarded to a female that has contributed to the community, business, nonprofit organizations in the public or private sectors and Rose is an excellent choice for this year’s award.
I will be covering that event as well and always look forward to seeing the ladies all adorned in green. They usually have a photo booth set up with all sorts of Irish props for the ladies to have fun with in front of the camera, along with an Appletini station to indulge in a green spirit.
With that said, that should conclude all Greater Pittston St. Patrick celebrations that start in February.
With the turn of the season from winter to spring later this week, I’ll be happy to get my new sports lens out and shake it down for local high school sports coverage. Most sports teams begin regular league seasons will begin this week.
I do hope it stays warm. I dislike it when we get teased with higher-than-average temperatures and then winter pops back in for one last “how do you do?”
I’m still not over this nasty sinus head cold from over a week ago. I need a magic potion for relief.
Quote of the Week
“May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow, and may trouble avoid you wherever you go.” —Traditional Irish Blessing
Thought of the Week
“St. Patrick’s Day is an enchanted time—a day to begin transforming winter’s dreams into summer’s magic.” —Adrienne Cook
Bumper Sticker
“Luck is believing you’re lucky.” —Tennessee Williams
