Savannah’s highly anticipated “Green Season” has officially begun with a roar of bagpipes and the rhythmic stomping of dance shoes. The 34th Annual Savannah Irish Festival took over the Alee Shriners Temple this weekend. It marks a significant return to form for one of the city’s most cherished cultural traditions.
Thousands of locals and tourists gathered to celebrate heritage, music and community. This year is special because the festival has finally returned to a full two day schedule for the first time since the pandemic paused the world in 2020. The atmosphere was electric as families embraced the sunny weather and the rich history that binds Savannah to the Emerald Isle.
A Historic Comeback for Irish Culture
The restoration of the full weekend schedule is a major victory for the organizers and the community. For the past few years, the event had to scale back operations due to health concerns and logistical challenges.
Bringing back both Saturday and Sunday dates allows for a more relaxed and immersive experience. Organizers noted that ticket sales were brisk leading up to the gates opening on Saturday morning.
Tara Reese serves as the treasurer for the festival committee. She emphasized that this event is not just a party but a vital cultural anchor for the region.
“We are very happy to support the Irish community,” Reese said during the opening ceremonies. “This kicks off what we call ‘green season’ here in Savannah.”
The festival serves as the starter pistol for a month of celebrations leading up to St. Patrick’s Day. Savannah hosts one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day parades in the world. This festival helps set the tone and gets everyone in the spirit well before March 17 arrives.
Festival Highlights at a Glance:
- Dates: February 8 and 9
- Location: Alee Shriners Temple
- Admission: Free for children under 14
- Key Feature: First full weekend run since 2019
The move to the Alee Temple has also provided ample parking and indoor space. This ensures the festivities can continue rain or shine.
Music, Dance and Authentic Flavors
You cannot have an Irish festival without the driving rhythm of Celtic music. The main stage remained busy all weekend with a lineup that featured both local favorites and regional touring acts.
Bands brought a mix of traditional folk songs and high energy Celtic rock. The crowd clapped along to lively jigs and swayed to soulful ballads that told stories of love and rebellion from the old country.
The dance stage was equally popular. Students from the legacy Irish Dance Academy dazzled the audience with their intricate footwork. Their hard shoes created a thunderous beat that echoed through the hall. Parents beamed with pride as the next generation of Irish Savannahians showed off the skills they practiced all year.
Food was another major draw for attendees. The aroma of traditional Irish cuisine filled the air as soon as you walked through the doors.
Vendors served up hearty portions of shepherd’s pie and bangers and mash. Corned beef sandwiches were a staple item seen in almost every hand. For those with a sweet tooth, there were plenty of scones and baked goods to go around.
The artisan marketplace offered a treasure trove of goods. Shoppers browsed through booths selling hand knit wool sweaters, Celtic jewelry and custom leather goods. It was a perfect spot to pick up green gear before the big parade next month.
Building Community Through Heritage
Savannah has a deep rooted Irish history that dates back to the early 19th century. Many immigrants came here fleeing the Potato Famine and found work on the railroads and docks.
This festival honors that struggle and success. It is not just for people with Irish last names. It welcomes everyone to learn about the culture that helped build this city.
Why Savannah is so Irish:
- Immigration: Huge wave of settlers in the 1840s.
- Religion: Strong Catholic community established early on.
- Tradition: The St. Patrick’s Day parade began in 1824.
The “One Idea” rule of the festival is inclusion. You saw people from all backgrounds enjoying the music and learning the history.
Organizers made a concerted effort to keep the event family friendly. Children under the age of 14 were admitted for free when accompanied by a paying adult. This policy encourages parents to bring their kids and pass down traditions to the younger generation.
There were specific activities set up just for the little ones. Face painting stations and craft tables kept them entertained while parents enjoyed the music. The safe and enclosed environment of the Alee Temple grounds made it easy for families to relax.
Preparing for the Big Parade
This weekend serves as the warm up lap for the main event in March. The Savannah St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the second largest in the United States.
Attending the Irish Festival is a rite of passage for locals preparing for the parade. It is where you buy your kilt, hear the latest gossip and reconnect with friends you might not have seen since last March.
The excitement in the air was palpable. Everyone was talking about their plans for parade day. The festival grounds served as a central meeting point for the community to coordinate their schedules.
Local officials also used the event to remind the public about safety and logistics for the upcoming season. With hundreds of thousands of visitors expected next month, this weekend was a nice practice run for the city’s hospitality sector.
Tara Reese summed it up best when she described the vibe of the weekend.
“It is more than a festival,” Reese said. “It is a homecoming.”
That sentiment rang true for everyone in attendance. Whether you were Irish by blood or just Irish for the day, the sense of belonging was undeniable.
As the sun set on Sunday, the 34th Annual Savannah Irish Festival came to a close. But the energy it generated will carry the city right through to St. Patrick’s Day. The Green Season has officially arrived in the Hostess City.
