When March rolls around, everyone in SATX prepares for the annual St. Patrick’s Day River Parade + the dyeing of the River Walk. While this grand festival is a weekend to celebrate Irish culture, did you know that you can learn + support it year-round?

The Harp & Shamrock Society of Texas is a local organization keeping Irish history + culture alive in South Texas. Here’s what you need to know about them + how you can support its mission at two upcoming events.

🍀Fun facts

The Harp & Shamrock Society was formed at St. Mary’s University in October 1966 when two professors and a graduate student decided to meet + inaugurate an organization that would honor the Irish heritage.
The first laying of the wreath ceremony took place in 1967 along with Irish tunes played by the Central Catholic High School Band.
The first St. Patrick’s Day parade took place in March 1968 with 250 marchers walking about four blocks to the Alamo.
The Harp & Shamrock Society celebrated 50 years as an organization in 2016.
Read about the history of the 260-year-old wood statue of St. Patrick that was gifted to the society years ago + where it is now.
Bonus: check out this list of local Irish businesses + organizations around town.

🍀Upcoming events

If you’re interested in joining the society and learning + experiencing the Irish traditions, visit its website for information on how to become a member. Currently the organization will begin to host events to raise money for its scholarship fund.

Here are two upcoming events you can attend: