Go green (and not the environmental kind)

I know I possess Spanish and German heritage. And there have been rumors that my family also has French and English. Hmm, that’s four European nations in my bloodline. Since Ireland is part of Europe, I guess that basically makes me Irish, right? And that means I have an excuse to call in sick on St. Paddy’s Day.

OK, so you don’t really have to be Irish to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. In fact, the emerald-adorned day of debauchery at pubs named Mc-something or O’-something got its start in America. Go figure. In Ireland, pubs weren’t even allowed to be open on March 17 until the 1970s.

So here are some events to celebrate St. Patrick, Ireland and the United States’ awesome ability to turn religious holidays into drinking extravaganzas:

“Get Your Irish Up” block party: Featuring Irish bag pipes, Gaelic dancers, music by Tainted Love and Shakedown, classic Irish food, more than 30 beers on tap, and Irish whiskey. Tuesday, March 17, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; $15 in advance and $20 the day of the event. Afterparties will continue until 2 a.m. at Mix Downtown and De Vere’s Irish Pub. Firestone Building, 15th and L streets; (916) 442-8899.

Tour of Pubs: Aw yeah, this caravan of party buses will visit five bars: River City Brewing Company, Parlare Euro Lounge, R15, The Elixir Bar and Hangar 17. Tuesday, March 17, 6:30 p.m. to midnight; $39 per person. Brew It Up!, 801 14th Street; (916) 441-3000.

Party on the Streets of London: Who knew the English could party as hard as the Irish on St. Paddy’s Day? There’ll be car bombs, Jell-O shots, an outdoor bar and lots of Irish food. Streets of London Pub, 1804 J Street; 2200 Lake Washington Boulevard in West Sacramento; and 649 E. Bidwell Street in Folsom.

Party on the streets of Old Sac: You can’t get more traditional than the 13th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. It’s free, and the fun starts at 6 p.m.