Irish dancers are entertaining crowds in the Byward Market Wednesday, as green revellers descend on Ottawa's Irish pubs, drinking green beer and donning shamrocks to mark St. Patrick's Day.
"It's a big drinking, it's a big food festival, and lots of Guinness being drank and it's a lot of fun," said Tina Carty, manager of the Heart and Crown Irish Pub.
St. Patrick's Day marks the pub's busiest day of the year, even surpassing Canada Day. It opened at 9 a.m. for breakfast, and will continue serving patrons until early Thursday morning.
Carty says the sunshine and warm temperatures will likely make today's business even better.
"We're expecting an amazing day today with this weather and I'm looking forward to it."
St. Patrick's Day honours Ireland's patron saint, Patrick, who was captured by Irish raiders from his home in Wales in the 5th century. He was held prisoner in County Antrim and managed to make his way home after six years.
He later returned to Ireland with a mission to convert the pagan Irish to Christianity, famously using the shamrock to teach the concept of the Holy Trinity.
The Irish also have a rich history in Ottawa and the Ottawa Valley.
The Irish made up almost 60 per cent of the labourers who built the Rideau Canal in the 1800s. Many were recent immigrants looking for work. At the time, many decided to settle in the capital region.
With reports from CTV.ca and the Associated Press
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