St. Patrick’s Day
Officially celebrated on March 17, this religious and cultural holiday honors the patron saint of Ireland. Put on your green and join in the festivities, which will be in full swing the weekend before:
• In Fort Lauderdale, the parade will begin on Saturday, March 14, at noon on Las Olas Boulevard from Huizenga Plaza to SE 9th Avenue. The festival will take place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tunnel Top Plaza. At 3 p.m., there will be an Irish dance demonstration by the Aranmore Academy, followed by the Drake Academy at 3:30 p.m. A tribute concert to The Cranberries will be held at 5 p.m. https://www.parks.fortlauderdale.gov/home
• In Delray Beach, the parade will take place on Saturday, March 14, from noon to 2 p.m. along Atlantic Avenue, between the Intracoastal and NW 5th Ave. This tradition began in 1968 with the parade of Maury Power, an Irish pub owner who, according to legend, walked with a small green pig in his arms and a shillelagh (a traditional walking stick or club). https://stpatsdelray.com
• At Fairchild Botanic Garden in Miami, The Luck of the Leprechaun will be held throughout March: the park offers an adventure that comes to life across 83 acres, with a hunt to find ten golden treasures hidden among palm trees, orchids, and tropical greenhouses. The leprechaun is a small supernatural creature from Irish folklore, usually depicted as a bearded old man, known for his mischievousness and love of gold. If captured, he can grant three wishes in exchange for his freedom.
• To stay in the Celtic spirit, you can also head to the Scottish Celtic Music Festival at the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds in Davie on March 28. This is the new version of the Highland Games, which has been transformed into a vibrant Celtic music festival to honor Scottish traditions and culture through music and dance.
Festival of the Arts Boca
The 20th edition of this festival takes place from February 27 to March 8 and features world-renowned musicians, dancers, authors, and speakers. Created in 2007, it attracts 15,000 spectators each year. On March 2 at 7 p.m., Doris Kearns Goodwin, one of the most popular historians in the United States, returns for a fascinating lecture on The Enduring Significance of the American Revolution. On Sunday, March 8, at 7 p.m., a string quartet will accompany Patti LuPone, a living legend of the stage, screen, and popular culture, considered one of the greatest Broadway performers of her generation, at Mizner Park. Information on all events: https://festivalboca.org
Carnival Miami
This festival showcases the best of Miami’s art, music, fashion, food, and sports through a series of events that attract an average of one million participants each year. It represents a $40 million economic impact for local artists, merchants, and small businesses in the greater Miami area.
Don’t miss Carnival on the Mile on March 7 and 8 in the heart of Coral Gables. Admission is free.
Another highlight is the Calle Ocho Music Festival on March 15, the largest “Latino” experiential event in the country.
Finally, the Domino Tournament will take place from March 9 to 11 at Domino Park on Calle Ocho. It’s a fun and friendly competition that brings together players from across the country. Admission is free. https://carnavalmiami.com
