March 17th is St. Patrick’s Day, a holiday where people wear green and Leprechauns roam about. It’s an Irish holiday that celebrates the death of Saint Patrick, but it’s celebrated all around the world, with Irish traditions brought to these places. To get ready for the holiday, let’s take a look at some St. Patrick’s Day celebrations around the world.
- Chicago River dyed green
On the morning of the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Chicago, the Chicago river is dyed green! The vibrant green river runs through the city as celebrations ensue. A secret recipe and two boats dispersing it makes the river green yearly.
- Themed Parades in London, UK
Every St. Patrick’s day, the city of London has a St. Patrick’s Day parade with a theme. This year’s theme is “coming back together”, since the parade has taken a few years off for the pandemic.
- St. Patrick’s Day Street Festival Singapore
The St. Patrick’s Day street festival began in Singapore in 2006, and takes place over 3 days every year. The festival includes, green, Irish Cuisine, and of course, beer. Free Guinness is even given out!
- Week long festival in Montserrat, Caribbean
Montserrat, otherwise known as the Emerald Isle of the Caribbean, is the only country other than Ireland where St. Patrick’s Day is recognized as a national holiday. This is because in Montserrat, nine enslaved people lost their lives during a 1768 rebellion on the date. The week-long St. Patrick’s day festival on the Island today honors the rebellion and combines traditions from the Island’s Irish and African heritage.
5.New York St. Paddy’s Day Parade
Of course I had to mention the largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the world. New York’s St. Patrick’s day parade doesn’t feature any floats or cars, but it does feature over 150,000 performers. People roam the streets playing instruments, dancing, and more, making it a widely popular tradition.