Gustavus Blogs

Two Days, Three Festive Holidays!

—

by

abenemon

If you are feeling a hankering to celebrate, today and tomorrow offer a wealth of cultural delights in the form of three holidays whose common feeling is joy. Today is St. Patrick’s Day, a traditional feast day celebrated by Christians since the 10th century A.D., and today is also Purim, a celebration of the salvation of the Jewish people from the plot to destroy them recounted in the Book of Esther. Tomorrow Hindu people will celebrate Holi, a celebration of the arrival of Spring and the blossoming of love, but well-known as the Festival of Colors when people throw colorful powders on each other and wear colorful face paints.

Here are some events happening in our area for each of these three holidays:

  • Purim is the Jewish holiday commemorating the strange and wonderful happenings in Persia many centuries ago. You can join the in-person celebrations going TODAY, March 17 at 4:30pm in the Bonnier Multi-Faith Center. Hamantaschen (sweet pastries) and groggers (noise makers) will be provided to help celebrate!
  • Saint Patrick’s Day is a cultural and religious celebration held on March 17th, the traditional death date of Saint Patrick who is the patron saint of Ireland. TODAY the St. Peter Ambassadors is inviting the whole St. Peter community to the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade! The family-friendly parade begins at 5:30pm. The route follows Third Street and begins at Third and Broadway. Wear your green!
  • Holi is a popular ancient Hindu festival, also known as the Festival of Love, the Festival of Colors, or the Festival of Spring.The Holi festival has a cultural significance among various Hindu traditions. It is the festive day to end and rid oneself of past errors, to end conflicts by meeting others, a day to forget and forgive. People pay or forgive debts, as well as deal anew with those in their lives. You can celebrate the Holi Festival at the Saturday, March 26th celebration being held at 2 PM at the Hindu Temple of Minnesota, located at 10530 Troy Ln N, Maple Grove, MN.

Happy Purim, Holi, and St. Patrick’s Day to all who are celebrating!