The Irish Mardi Gras

What's the deal with St. Patrick's Day? I'm going to have to google this to find out why we're all drinking green beer.

...excuse me while I google that...

I'm back. Now it makes more sense. It's a Catholic holiday, for which Lenten restrictions are lifted. So if we gave up alchohol, we could drink it. If we gave up chocolate, we could eat it. 

If I didn't give up anything for Lent, am I still allowed to act like a fool today? 

Survey says...yes! 

Slainte!