Rachel Mack
Every year during the month of March, Philly’s best worst bar crawl roams the city’s streets. In honor of a saint its participants know nothing about, the Erin Express merges tradition with green glittered trash that in turn gets soaked in Bud Light Lime for approximately 12-16 hours. But let’s get back to the tradition part and explain a little about the guy who inspired this day long drink fest.
Saint Patrick’s Day is formally held on March 17th, but is widely celebrated during the weekends leading up to this day.
When did St Patrick’s Day become St Patrick’s month in Philly? #ErinExpress pic.twitter.com/cRQBFnd4Fc
— Inga Saffron (@IngaSaffron) March 12, 2016
March 17th is the suspected death date of Saint Patrick, patron saint of Ireland. This day was made an official Christian feast day in the early 17th century and is observed by the Catholic, Anglican Communion, Eastern Orthodox, and Lutheran churches. Christians around the world tap into their Irish (or not-so-Irish) bloodline to commemorate Saint Patrick or Padraig (Irish).
Many Christians attend church services. In more recent years, the Lenten restrictions on eating and drinking alcohol are lifted for the day.
One block into Philly and I’ve already seen 2 guys in green peeing on a church. #ErinExpress
— Cara Schmidt (@writemeahaiku) March 5, 2016
Parades and other festivals occur on this day accompanied by the wearing of green attire and/or shamrocks. Actually, pretty much everything turns into green.
St. Patrick’s Day surfaces a day long case of explosive green diarrhea resulting in public drunkenness that often leads to fights and other regrets.
When you’re blacked out and realize you actually hate the guy you’re with. #ErinExpress ☘?? pic.twitter.com/fepzxK6LjP
— ninadot (@ninadottt) March 13, 2016
You don’t even need to go outside to be a victim of this day.
Guess it’s not four years at temple without a drunk asshole bashing in your window #erinexpress2016
A photo posted by Harry Rosenberg (@roldy_goldy) on
And not everyone will get a taste of what the luck of the Irish have to offer.
Most importantly, remember to keep those near and dear to you in your thoughts and prayers.
Keep the people who work at any Wawa in Philly in your prayers today #ErinExpress
— James Hesky (@JamesHesky) March 12, 2016
Happy St. Paddy’s Day.
Nothing worse than a bunch of obnoxious assholes breathing on top of you and long waits to get a cold beer. Guess the one positive is all the puss