St. Patrick's Day in the Dominican Republic

"Sand" Patrick's Day Parade in Cabarete

While we don't often associate Irish immigrants with the DR, the celebration of St. Patrick's Day did manage to make its way to the island. The beloved Cabarete bar José O'Shay's, founded by Philly natives and lovers of all things Irish, has hosted an annual party for almost a decade right on the beach.  Read more about the family-owned bar and its fascinating history here.

The festivities, which last all afternoon and very late into the evening, feature a "Sand Patrick's Day Parade along the water, traditional Irish dancing and music, and of course, plenty of Guinness. Visitors from across the island - and the world - have enjoyed taking part in a pan-Atlantic party dubbed with a unique tropical spin that draws up to 20,000 people to dance, eat, drink, and say Erin go bragh in both Gaelic and Spanish.  

Read more about the party from a local hotelier: http://travelworldnews.com/2012/01/09/16599/