For millions of people around the world who share some sort of cultural affinity with Irish culture, the Saint Patrick’s Day celebration is a special time to rejoice. It has been part of the liturgical calendar of the Catholic Church since the 15^th century, and in Costa Rica it is celebrated as a religious feast day with a Mass service, although it isn’t a holy day of obligation like it is in Ireland and other countries. In most Tico parishes, the feast of Saint Patrick is observed in the early morning Mass and the life of the religious patron of Ireland and her people is explained in the sermon.

The iconic wearing of the green and copious drinking of beer that is associated with Saint Patrick’s Day is generally not in line with the Lenten restrictions. In recent years, however, the strong influx of popular and consumer culture of the United States has made Saint Patrick’s Day a bit more noticeable in Costa Rica. There is nothing to indicate that Saint Patrick actually authorized taking a one-day break from Lenten obligations to imbibe, but some religious scholars think that he would have approved. After all, Saint Patrick was known to be humble, affectionate, tolerant, and lenient; character traits that were essential to his success in converting an entire nation to Christianity.

Some of the facts surrounding the life of Saint Patrick may astonish the faithful who celebrate his embodiment of Irish culture. He was born a Scot in Kilpatrick, and became a man of the cloth in France. He was sent as a missionary to Ireland by Pope Celestine the First in the 5^th century. He may have been taken to Ireland as young a slave prior to his ordainment; a theory that justifies his knowledge of the Celtic language and culture upon his return as a missionary.

It was Saint Patrick’s tolerance and cultural sensibility that allowed Irish pagan folklore to coexist with Christianity. He used a trifoliate shamrock to teach about the Holy Trinity, and when people asked about the four-leaf shamrock he would say “count your blessings.” The same goes for leprechauns, Saint Patrick thought that as long as Irish people embraced Christianity, the leprechauns could be reduced from evil to mischievous.

The popularity of Saint Patrick’s Day in the United States was introduced by Irish Protestants, rather than Catholics.

Irish Pubs in San Jose

There may not be any lavish parades to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day in Costa Rica, but the country has not escaped the globalization of Irish pubs. For those who enjoy the inspiring sounds of traditional Celtic music, Tico band Seisiún Irish Music will be playing at Stan’s Irish Pub in El Zapote, just a block and a half away from La Casa Presidencial.

For those who enjoy Irish-style beer and whiskey, Craic Irish Pub in San Jose will be part of a promotional global party sponsored by Jameson, so patrons will be able to test their Irish luck and win free shots of whiskey, berets, t-shirts, and other stuff.

Also at Craic Irish Pub today: the unveiling of the new Oatmeal Stout by Costa Rica’s Craft Brewing Company. In a previous article about beer culture, The Costa Rica Star mentioned this cool microbrewery. Happy Saint Patrick’s Day to all our readers, and remember that Saint Patrick would have wanted you to enjoy with friends, but not in excess.