St. Stephen's Day

St. Stephen's Day, celebrated on December 26th, is a public holiday in Ireland that follows Christmas Day. Known as *Lá Fhéile Stiofáin* in Irish, it honors St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr. The day is marked by a mix of religious observance, family gatherings, and festive traditions. One of the most iconic customs is the *Wren Boys* procession, where people dress in straw costumes and parade through towns, singing and collecting donations for charity. Historically, this tradition involved hunting a wren bird, but today it is more symbolic and focuses on music and community spirit. Families often use the day to relax, enjoy leftovers from Christmas feasts, and visit friends and relatives. It’s also a popular day for attending horse racing events, such as the Leopardstown Christmas Festival, or watching sports on television. St. Stephen's Day is a cherished part of the Irish holiday season, blending tradition, community, and celebration.