BA celebrates St Patrick's day

It is all about beer, shamrocks and pub crawls. Every March 17th, downtown Buenos Aires streets are crowded as thousands upon thousands gather to celebrate Saint Patrick’s day.

The Irish patron saint celebration is not relegated to the Irish only, as locals and tourists alike racously mingle in crowded and narrow streets, drinking beer and enjoying themselves.

On Saturday, the Argentine-Irish community carried out its traditional parade, which began at 5 pm along Suipacha street in the City neighbourhood of Retiro continuing down Esmeralda street down to Arenales.

The City Government announced several streets would be blocked off to allow pedestrians to enjoy the festivities between 6 pm and 5 am.

Reconquista street, between Córdoba and Ricardo Rojas; Paraguay between San Martin and Leandro N. Alem and Marcelo T. de Alvear, between San Martin and Leandro N Alem will be blocked to cars, taxis and buses.

Irish bands and celtic dance groups will display their talents in Retiro’s Plaza San Martin at 8 pm, while the Federal Police has layed out a strict security plan to avoid disturbances and the selling of alcohol to minors.