After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, St. Patrick's Day celebrations returned to San Francisco on Thursday with a series of festivals across the city.
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KCBS Radio's Melissa Culross attended the St. Patrick's Day festival at the United Irish Cultural Center of San Francisco and spoke to members of the community to get a glimpse into how they are celebrating the annual holiday, which has been toned down the last two years due to COVID-19 health restrictions.
Liam Reidy, the president of the United Irish Cultural Center of San Francisco, said that it was exhilarating to have everyone in the community together to celebrate.
"In 2020, we really went dark. There was no celebration, and no money coming in," Reidy told KCBS Radio's "Bay Current" on Friday. "We created Wawona Gates, where we sell Irish food and libations. And in 2021, it was about recovery and we had some muted celebrations, but we were still limited by the public health department about gatherings. But today, I am glad to say we are fully opened with no restrictions."
Reidy said that the St. Patrick's Day festival allows the Irish community to feel connected to their heritage through food, music and community.
"They are coming for the food, which today is corned beef, cabbage, and Irish soda bread. We have Irish singing and dancing, and everyone is welcome to come in," Reidy added. "I think it gives people a great connection to their homeland, and to remember where they came from. We have this wonderful history of music, song, and dance. For most cultural institutions it has been a difficult time, but we are one of the lucky ones and we have a great membership base."
The United Irish Cultural Center is expanding its space and will be opening a new location in a few years.
To review the center's cultural events, check out their website.
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