By Daniela Cespedes
Staff Reporter
Dressed in the traditional Irish kilt, sweater and hat, Sean Hanney practices the bagpipes with his band members before playing in the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade. They practice the music as many times as possible and wait to be a part of the tradition for yet another year.
Sophomore Hanney has been performing in parades with his hometown band for six years. The band plays with 15 to 20 pipers and as many drummers at any given parade.
“I’m always nervous at first because playing comes down to muscle memory, so you don’t know if you’re going to do it right. But, after a few minutes, it comes back to me,” said Hanney.
This year, St. Patrick’s Day is on Tuesday, Mar 17.
Many say they students choose to go to the New York City parades and enjoy the Irish culture and festivities.
“I enjoy watching the parade and all of the traditional Irish practices like the bagpipes and seeing the way they dress,” said junior Liam Casey. “This reminds me of where my family came from; it gives me a sense of national spirit.”
On the other hand, other students say they celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with friends and family, partaking in some of the traditional Irish customs.
Junior Katie Quinn celebrates St. Patrick’s Day in her hometown of Newburgh, N.Y.
“My family and friends do a few charity events, like the Elks Club. We have a bunch of people come over, over 200. Usually, you buy a ticket for $10 and it comes with corn beef and cabbage and a couple of drinks. People come and hang out all day. Sometimes we have Irish step dancers come in and bagpipe musicians,” said Quinn.
“We do balloons and streamers and we also dress up in green plaid skirts and hats. Previous St. Patrick’s Day events were busy. It was nice to have Irish music playing in the background. I was a server last year and I found it very chill. Patrons were happy,” said junior Sophia Perna, Red’s Pub manager.
Perna also said, “Red’s gives a safe place on campus for students to enjoy and participate in St. Patrick’s Day activities without having to spend the money to go to the city.”
Another local event happening on Mar. 17 is the Greater Bridgeport Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. According to allevents.in, marchers will be traveling through downtown Bridgeport, beginning at Harbor Yard and continuing to Fairfield Avenue.
“As a junior, I’ve never heard of any local Bridgeport St. Patrick’s Day Parades. It’s something I might consider watching and I also might consider saving the money I would spend at the New York City parade,” said Samantha DiGirolomo.
