With St. Paddy’s Day coming up soon, it’s easy to plan a trip to a pub or attend a bar crawl. But there are other ways to celebrate Ireland and Irish American culture in Buffalo, just in time for the holiday.
See a play at the Irish Classical Theater Company
Located in Buffalo’s theater district, this theater-in-the-round regularly features professional productions. The company was established in 1990 by two Irish immigrant actors and features plays that often relate to the vast world of Irish plays. On March 15, the theater will host “Celtic Connections,” with lectures discussing Irish history. While there won’t be any shows playing on St. Patrick’s Day, a new show “Dorian,” inspired by the titular character of “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” will play at the theater starting on March 27 and will run until April 13.
Visit the Irish Famine Memorial Monument
A somber but impactful part of Irish history, the Irish Famine Memorial Monument is located along Buffalo’s waterfront. The location is an homage to the area where Irish immigrants arrived in Buffalo to escape the famine. This monument features symbolic gestures dedicated to the victims of starvation, the few who survived and those who refused to acknowledge the atrocities; among the symbols are 32 stones dedicated to the 32 counties of Ireland. Considering the history of Irish struggle and survival, a visit to this monument is an acknowledgment of the long journey to Irish independence.
Check out The Buffalo Irish Center
The center was established in 1970 in South Buffalo, also known as the “Irish Heritage District,” with the goal of keeping Irish traditions and history alive. This cultural center regularly hosts community events and offers classes in Irish dance. There is a pub in the center, for a taste of Irish food and drink. On March 15-16, the weekend leading up to St. Paddy’s, there will be “Live Music All Weekend” at the venue.
Purchase a piece of Irish culture at the Tara Gift Shoppe
Steps away from the Buffalo Irish Center is the Tara Gift Shoppe, a store stocked with jewelry, caps, sweaters, and other Irish themed merchandise. Many of the items are imported from Ireland; there is also Buffalo themed merchandise in green, for those looking to procure swag for St. Paddy’s Day festivities.
Attend a St. Patrick’s Day Parade
There is more than one parade in Buffalo on the weekend leading up to St. Patrick’s Day. One is “The Old Neighborhood Parade,” which will be on March 15 at 11 a.m. starting on Leddy Street. A different parade will take place on Delaware Avenue on March 16 at 2 p.m., the day before the holiday itself. Additionally, on March 14 at the Niagara Falls Convention Center, there will be festivities and a nearby parade that claims to be the “World’s Shortest Parade.”
Nadia Brach is an assistant arts editor and can be reached at nadia.brach@ubspectrum.com
Photo: Ryan Johnson / Wikimedia Commons
