Prepare to be pinched. For the first time in recent history, Tufts will be in session for St. Patrick's Day, meaning that students can take advantage of one of Boston's favorite holidays.
"It's always spring break so it's exciting we finally get to be in Boston," senior Lisa Tse said. "It doesn't make such a difference whether or not you're 21."
With a week−long celebration complete with parades, concerts and green beers on tap, students seem excited to experience the Irish holiday. One of the holiday's most famous aspects is the St. Patrick's Day Parade in South Boston, which was held on Sunday.
"We were going to go into Boston but the weather was just horrible, so we couldn't," senior Kara Sarrel said. Although the parade was still held, inclement weather deterred many potential visitors.
"It's a shame the St. Patrick's Day parade was [Sunday]. If the weather was nice, I may have gone," senior Zach Etkind said.
Despite the fact that the actual holiday falls on a Wednesday, at a time when many students have midterms, there still seem to be plenty who are willing to put the books down for a little while.
"A lot of my friends do have plans. Someone is going to a Celtics game which he is extremely excited for, and some people are going to restaurant week. People are going places and doing things, unlike me, because I'm studying for midterms, which is pathetic," freshman Alexa Stevens said. "I feel like people are more into it because it's the last week before spring break, and a lot of people are finished with their midterms. It's a reason to get dressed up, wear green and do a lot of things."
Junior Chris Flaherty has fond memories of past St. Patrick's days and is excited to enjoy the holiday at Tufts.
"It has dual significance, because I'm very proud of my Irish heritage — all my grandparents are originally from Ireland, so it's important to them and to Irish Catholics, and it also has significance because I have good memories of my high school friends and going into Southie," he said. "This year I plan on finishing my midterm, drinking a couple beers and keeping the house fully stocked with Bailey's and Jameson's."
Etkind also was looking forward to drinking some Irish beer.
"Wednesday I get out of class around three, and that's my last class of the week. I plan on consuming a lot of alcohol with friends and getting rowdy but not trying to cause any problems," he said. "I might go to The Burren and get some Irish food and drink a few Guinnesses. I'm a huge fan of Guinness, so St. Patrick's Day gives me an opportunity to indulge."
One of the closest Irish pubs to Tufts, The Burren will be welcoming the holiday bright and early. For those willing to set their alarms, the doors will open at 7 a.m. to accommodate local festivities.
"I think that because we're on a college campus people will want to drink on St. Patrick's Day. Other than for those of Irish heritage, I don't think it's any more special than any other drinking day," freshman Gabriel Nicholas said.
But there are plenty of ways to celebrate the holiday without imbibing. Boston is steeped in history, and there's no better day than March 17 to see the Irish influence on the city. The Boston Irish Heritage Trail is a self−guided tour that begins at the Rose Kennedy Garden and ends at Fenway Park. Maps that lay out the sites are available at the Boston Common visitor center or at the Prudential Center and more information is available at IrishHeritageTrail.com.
And for those who can't get enough Ireland this week, the Irish Film Festival, from March 25−28, will screen several current films coming out of Ireland. A series of Irish shorts will screen at the Somerville Theatre, with free receptions at Orleans and The Burren to follow.
But for the most part, students will be content to spend Wednesday having fun with other Jumbos.
"At least [for seniors], people are more excited to celebrate, and Boston is known for St. Patrick's Day, and it's known for having a lot of spirit," Sarrel said. "It's our first year being 21 in Boston on St. Patrick's Day so you have to do something. I think it will be a good day/night."
