STAFF WRITER – SOPHIA ANNE MUÑOZ
This month, San Antonio hosted a three-day event on the historic River Walk. The Bud Light St. Patrick’s Day River Parade was on March 19, 2022, and prefaced with communal mini-events.
On March 17, the City of San Antonio commenced the celebration by dyeing the River Walk green with 25 gallons of eco-friendly green dye from 1 to 3 p.m. The significance of the bright green water was in preparation for its upcoming parade day. The party continued the next day on Frday, March 18 with the St. Patrick’s Day Festival, 1 to 8 p.m. on la Villita Way in La Villita, and was free to the public. This festival included live music, booths, for food and drinks, and little shopping booths. The third annual Tater-Tot Eating Contest also took place and was open for the first 10 registered contestants that were 18 years or older. Starting at 3:30 p.m. on Villita Way, the winner was invited onto a riverboat for the parade.
St. Mary’s students also love to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. here is what a few students have to say about their favorite parts of the celebration. One student reminisced on her elementary school days when all of her fellow classmates make sure to wear green.
“My favorite part of St. Patrick’s Day is how we all collectively agree on wearing green for the day,” Christina Gonzalez senior psychology major mentioned. “and when someone doesn’t, we are inclined to give them a small pinch.” Other students at St. Mary’s rave about their favorite restaurant deals on St. Patrick’s Day. “I love the shamrock shake from McDonald”s Gabriel Campos junior psychology major adds. “…as well as the Lenny Leprechaun Donuts from Krispy Kreme!” After students heard about the St. Patrick’s Day Festival and River Parade, which took place 15 minutes away from campus, students were ecstatic to join in on the all fun activities featured in this year’s parade. For some students, this was their first time at the celebration.
Senior psychology major Marisol Moreno stated, “I [had] never attended the St. Patrick’s Day parade before, but I [was] excited to attend this year with friends!”
The final day of the St. Patrick’s Day celebration took place on Saturday, March 19. One highlight included the Lucky Dog Parade and costume contest. Registration took place at 1 p.m. and the parade began at 2 p.m. on La Villa Way. Dogs were welcome to dress in green St. Patrick’s attire and walk with their owners on a non-retractable leash.
The green river came to light on Saturday, March 19 during the St. Patrick’s Day River Parade. Organized by Visit San Antonio River Walk and the Harp& Shamrock Society of Texas, the parade has been around since 1969. the parade consisted of 12 riverboats decked out with shades of green, shamrocks, and lucky charms that flowed down the river accompanied by traditional Irish bagpipers.
The river parade stretched down the River Walk from the Arneson River Theatre to the downtown portion.
Later, the St. Patrick’s Day Street Fest and afterparty continued at Howl at the Moon. the party was open to all ages, and entertained by ’80s cover band, Lon Duk Don from 1 to 4 p.m., and ended with a silent disco with 30 DJs rotating on eight turntables from 5 p.m to 2 a.m. It was an eventful celebration, so be sure to check out the festival in 2023 if it was missed this year.