The arrival of St. Patrick's Day on March 17, 2025, transformed communities across Ontario, with festivities ranging from pancake breakfasts at local schools to lively bar parties celebrated by crowds donning their finest green attire. The day encapsulated the joyous essence of Irish culture, blending food, fun, and fellowship.
At Humboldt Collegiate, the school's tradition of hosting an annual St. Patrick's Day pancake breakfast drew students, community members, and alumni alike. The event featured mounds of pancakes topped with mint-colored whipped cream and fresh strawberries, as eager teachers flipped pancakes, cooked sausages, and brewed coffee to serve hordes of attendees. This beloved breakfast not only satisfied appetites but also strengthened community ties, highlighting the unity within Humboldt.
Meanwhile, the spirit of celebration surged through Windsor, where Andrew Corbett, co-owner of several local bars, emphasized the significance of this day. "This falls in line with Halloween and New Year’s Eve," he noted, stating, "So yeah, definitely one of the biggest. When the sun is shining, it’s usually a really good St. Patrick’s Day." With the weather cooperating, bars such as Manchester transformed themselves, offering eclectic festivities including live music and even bagpipe performances.
Villains Beastro, known for its annual St. Patrick’s Swayze Day, featured vibrant karaoke and festive foods, setting the perfect backdrop for those reveling late to celebrate. Its owner, Geoff Zanetti, shared, “We always have fun on St Patrick’s Swayze Day,” emphasizing the enjoyment echoed throughout the city.
Many establishments also witnessed packed houses beginning the weekend before with what has become known as St. Practice Day—an unofficial prelude to the formal festivities. Commentary from Corbett reflected how busy this lead-up was, boasting large crowds dressed head-to-toe in green on both Saturday and Sunday. “It was very, very busy,” he remarked. This momentum set the tone for Monday’s main events, where hundreds eagerly flocked to bars as they opened their doors early.
Yet with the exuberance of St. Patrick’s Day came the importance of responsible celebrations. Windsor police issued reminders urging partygoers to drink responsibly and reminded them, "Don’t rely on luck to get home safe.” This message reverberated through other communities too, as shown by Const. Derek Tilley of the Orillia OPP, who advised, "We want everyone to enjoy St. Paddy’s Day, but be responsible." He encouraged attendees to pre-arrange rides and to stick with friends, reinforcing the need for safety amid the revelry.
Further afield, individuals like Ralph Kennedy, known for his work at Cheese Secrets, expressed deep pride in their Irish heritage. Kennedy, whose arm bears tattoos of traditional Irish symbols, constructed a replica Irish pub, dubbed Kennedy's Irish Pub, right at home. Reflecting on the importance of St. Patrick’s Day, he remarked, "There’s a connection to my family. My dad's name is Patrick Kennedy, and he's from Westmeath in Ireland.” He even promised to don his kilt on the day, symbolizing his connection to tradition.
Kennedy's enthusiasm for the holiday captures its essence: celebrating culture and community. He shared cheerful thoughts about visiting local spots like The Irish Harp to soak up the atmosphere filled with music and camaraderie. “It's our second home,” he noted, emphasizing the joy and hospitality of local establishments.
Across towns from Newmarket to Orillia, celebrations flourished as locals raised pints of green beer alongside traditional fare like liver and onions. Bars were packed with friends reminiscing about their heritage, enjoying live music, and joining each other for good cheer.
Despite the revelry, local police ensured safety was prioritized, patrolling to maintain public safety as festivities stretched well through the evening. With reminders echoing through social media and personal interactions, the message of enjoying responsibly permeated the day.
Whether gathering at backyard celebrations or thrumming with excitement at packed pubs, Ontario embraced the spirit of St. Patrick's Day with enthusiasm, characterizing the day with culture and community. From the delightful pancake breakfasts to spirited parties, everyone took part, ensuring the joy and warmth of the holiday was felt from Humboldt to Orillia. The wintry chill of March faded against the brilliant green of the party, igniting feelings of heritage and kinship.
