The spread of St. Patrick's Day celebrations in the U.S. was a way for Irish immigrant communities, who in the 19th century faced discrimination and opposition, to stake that ground, he says: “It’s a kind of immigrant Irish way of combating nativist antagonism against them.”

St. Patrick's Day is coming up on March 17. But why do we celebrate the Irish holiday? Here's what to know, plus food deals you can snag in Arizona

St. Patrick's Day is the feast day for St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Irish citizens celebrate the day by attending church to honor the saint who brought Christianity to Ireland in the 5th century. It's celebrated on March 17 annually to honor St. Patrick's death date.