CYP Now - Resources: Talking point - What makes St Patrick's Day so popular?

Of the four national saints' days that cover the UK and Ireland, St Patrick's Day is probably the most actively celebrated, with shamrocks, dancing, singing and possibly drinking. Kick-start a discussion on national identity.

Talk to young people about their feelings towards St Patrick's Day.

The Welsh national day was at the beginning of this month. What do young people know about the celebrations for St David's Day? Can they list activities and emblems associated with that day? St Andrew's Day in Scotland falls on 30 November. What do young people think of as the Scottish equivalent of shamrock, leprechauns and stout?

There have been calls for St George's Day, 23 April, to be more enthusiastically celebrated. Talk about what elements of English culture and history could be featured. What would be appropriate drinks, meals and activities to brand the day? Would they vary from region to region?

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