Many of us remember being pinched in grade school if we forgot to wear green on St. Patrick’s Day. I used to try to get away with saying I am always wearing green because of my eyes (that rarely worked, by the way).

Where did that tradition start? When the Irish immigrated to the U.S. because of the potato famine, they were unaccepted and ridiculed. When St. Patrick’s Day would arrive, a few wore green to bring attention to this oppression. So the Irish that did wear green pinched those who didn’t for lack of pride. And this was passed down through the generations.

But let’s be honest. It seems as we get older the holiday is centered much more on drinking Irish whiskey and green beer. Irish and non-Irish alike go out, drink and celebrate.

Photo credit: StPattysday2013.com

Big chain restaurants and bars rarely have trouble bringing the crowds, but this is a holiday that allows the smaller pubs and bars to flourish. Check Denver’s A-List for the best Irish pubs in Denver.

This holiday has become very popular with college students who typically love any excuse to drink.  Especially in Denver, “the drunkest city in America,” it is important to make sure that you are safe while celebrating. We all know that drunk driving is an issue and we have all been told to have a designated driver. However, if you need other alternatives there is a great national service at 1-800-TAXICAB that will connect you to a local cab company no matter where you celebrate. So if the designated driver falls through remember to use that service or the RTD pass included in your student fees.

Remember to have fun and be safe. I leave you with a traditional limerick style poem by Mike Oberg:

I once met a monk who could inspire

When espousing his spiritual fire

And soon I had found

He was quite profound

In fact, you could call him a deep friar!