Preparation Guidelines for Celebrating St. Patrick's Day
In the heart of the spring semester, Holy Cross College has been brimming with a unique blend of tradition and modernity, as evidenced by the recent St. Patrick's Day celebrations.
Caitlin Wiffler '27, a dedicated student at the college, took the reins in organising a comprehensive review of the festivities. The week was filled with a variety of activities, from the mundane to the extraordinary.
One of the highlights was the much-anticipated Parents Weekend, during which students eagerly awaited their parents' arrival. Some found themselves waiting an hour for their parents to choose a sweatshirt from the college store, while others took a trip to Walmart for a change of scenery.
The college also warmly welcomed prospective students through tours and food trucks, offering a taste of the Holy Cross experience.
The holiday also served as an occasion for many to claim their Irish heritage, even if only for a day. It is a tradition, after all, for Irish people to proudly proclaim anything they want, often with a thick accent or gibberish-like speech.
Music played a significant role in the celebrations, with Irish tunes filling the air. From the well-known likes of U2, The Cranberries, and The Pogues, to the lesser-known but equally talented Fontaines D.C., Lisa Hannigan, and Imelda May, the college echoed with the sounds of Ireland.
Interestingly, some of these bands have interesting origins. REO Speedwagon, for instance, was originally named IRA Speedwagon but had to change due to lack of meaning. Meanwhile, Zach Bryan, whose real name is Conan O'Brien, adopted his stage name to appeal to his country fanbase.
The St. Patrick's Day Parade in Boston, a popular event, featured a mix of the old and the new. Old book smell, Starbucks workers on strike, potatoes, actors unaware of the SAG-AFTRA strike ending, and a float of Robert De Niro were among the sights to behold.
In the realm of radio, Holy Cross announced a new student-run show called "Kimball Radio", set to air this week and continue into the spring semester.
The college also celebrated its Accepted Students Day last weekend, marking the beginning of a new chapter for many.
As the festivities came to a close, it was clear that St. Patrick's Day at Holy Cross College was a celebration of both tradition and modernity, a testament to the college's rich history and its embrace of the future.
