by EH
In a city where history and culture intertwine seamlessly, Trieste is preparing to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a distinctly Irish flair. The March 17 holiday, which honors the patron saint of Ireland, has gained traction far beyond the Emerald Isle, and this year, Trieste is fully embracing the festivities with live music, traditional folklore, and a generous flow of beer.
While the city’s connection to Ireland may be tenuous—primarily linked to James Joyce, who spent formative years in Trieste—St. Patrick’s Day provides an opportunity for locals to immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Irish culture. Much like Oktoberfest in Germany, though on a smaller scale, St. Patrick’s Day in Trieste has found a comfortable niche, particularly in the city’s pub scene.
Where to Celebrate
- Meeting Point Pub (Galleria Fenice 6): Festivities start at 4 p.m. with Irish beer on tap, themed decorations, and a final night of celebrations featuring Guinness and live music.
- Bounty Pub (Via Pondares 6): Guests can enjoy the Paddy Burger—a spinach-infused green bun—and San Patrick IPA, a green kiwi-flavored beer. The evening will feature a live performance by Alan Petrei at 8 p.m., showcasing Celtic instruments, including bagpipes.
- GBU (Via Dante 14): A St. Patrick’s celebration with Irish beer and music curated by Donna Graziella and Mastro Stefano.
- Old London Pub (Via Caprin 17): The evening kicks off with pints of Guinness and a performance by Cindy and The Rock Hysteria at 8 p.m. The band, known for their energetic rock covers, has previously opened for Vasco Rossi.
A Celebration of Green and Tradition
The color green will be omnipresent throughout the celebrations, a nod to both Ireland and St. Patrick himself, who is said to have used the shamrock to illustrate the concept of the Holy Trinity. While the religious roots of the holiday remain, the modern interpretation leans toward merriment and camaraderie, with revelers raising their glasses in good spirits.
