After sunset on Tuesday 17 March the outside façade of the Library of Birmingham will be lit up green to mark St. Patrick’s Day 2026.

Saint Patrick's Day is a cultural and religious celebration held on the traditional anniversary of the death of Saint Patrick, the foremost patron saint of Ireland.

The day commemorates Saint Patrick and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland. It celebrates Irish heritage and culture with public parades, festivals, céilithe, and the wearing of green clothes or shamrocks.

Saint Patrick's Day is celebrated in more countries than any other national festival. Modern celebrations have been significantly shaped by those of Irish communities living abroad, especially in North America.

About Saint Patrick

Saint Patrick was a Romano-British Christian missionary and bishop in Ireland. Legend says he was born in Britain and captured as a teenager by Irish raiders who took him to Ireland as a slave.

During his time in captivity, Patrick found solace in his faith. He prayed a lot and became deeply religious. After 6 years, he managed to escape and returned to his family in Britain.

Later, Patrick had a vision where he felt called by God to return to Ireland as a missionary to spread Christianity to the Irish people. He went back to Ireland and began preaching the Christian message, using the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) to the Irish people.

Legend says he performed many miracles, such as driving snakes out of Ireland. He travelled throughout the country, establishing churches, schools, and monasteries.

Saint Patrick is famous for banishing all snakes from Ireland. This is likely a metaphor for driving out pagan practices rather than actual snakes.

Saint Patrick became beloved by the Irish people and is remembered as the one who brought Christianity to Ireland.

Article published: 11 March 2026