Annual Silky O’ Sullivan’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade Unites Memphis and Irish Culture
By: Jaylon Hawkins
Over the weekend, the streets of Memphis shined green to signify that the annual Silky O’ Sullivan’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade was here again.
On Saturday, March 16, over a thousand local Memphis residents lined Beale Street for the 51st annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, orchestrated by the historic Beale Street pub, Silky O’Sullivan’s.
Established in 1973, Silky O’Sullivan’s has remained a perennial tourist attraction in Memphis due to its unique take on Memphis barbecue, along with serving authentic Irish dishes. The pub is also famous for its one-of-a-kind goat farm, which allows patrons to feed the animals year-round.
Covered in various shades of green, attendees of the parade were treated to breath-taking floats, band and vocal performances from local high schools, dance team performances and authentic Irish cuisine.
Local businesses throughout the area got into the spirit as well, with multiple offering special promotions and Irish-themed food items for the weekend.
“We wish everybody the luck of the Irish. We hope the sun shines warmly on you and that you have a smile on your face that you can share with your fellow man,” said Joellyn Sullivan, a member of Irish Eyes of Memphis, a loose affiliation of bar owners.
While many people around the world celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, many do not know the true meaning of the holiday.
St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated on March 17 every year to signify the feast day of the fifth-century Catholic saint, who is credited with bringing and spreading Christianity in Ireland and is also the patron saint of Ireland.
To this day, the holiday is seen more as a religious event in Ireland, while it has turned into more of a cultural event in other countries.
For the past 51 years, the O’Sullivan’s parade has served as a cherished annual event that allows people to celebrate their Irish heritage and enjoy the company of the random strangers that make Memphis the city it is today.
While some may dis- pute the origins of the holi- day or the beliefs behind it, there is no denying that St. Patrick’s Day has turned into a joyous celebration of heritage, legacies and, of course, beer.
Overton Square Throws St. Patrick’s Day Bash with Memphis Pipe Band
By: Eli Ostrow
Overton Square came to life on Sunday, March 17, as participants gathered for the St. Patrick’s Day concert featuring the Memphis Pipe Band. From 5 to 7 p.m., the Square was filled with the sounds and smells of bag- pipes, drums, food and good times.
While out with his family, native Brandon Ward gave his thoughts on the event. “It’s awesome. We were just looking for something fun to do, especially with our kids, and this was perfect.”
They were just one of several families enjoying the festive atmosphere and authentic Celtic music. The Memphis Pipe Band fired the crowd up with their traditional Celtic tunes. As the music filled the air, you couldn’t help but feel the St. Patrick’s Day spirit.
Deon Gode from Jonesboro, Arkansas,was spending the day in Memphis with her two sons and happened to be in the Square after seeing a show at the Orpheum. “I absolutely loved it. The Pipe Band was incredible, and the whole atmosphere was so lively. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else on St. Patrick’s Day.”
Families and friends attending the event all had one thing in common. They were all wearing green.
In the end, the St. Patrick’s Day concert featuring the Memphis Pipe Band was a hit, with attendees praising its festive vibe and unforgettable performance. It was an event full of music, laughter and a well-rounded embodiment of the Memphis spirit and a sense of community.
