It’s finally March when our thoughts turn to all things green and St. Patrick’s Day! Everyone is at least a little bit Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, which might explain why it is the most celebrated national holiday in the world. Cities all over the globe, not just in the U.S. and Ireland, hold festivals and parades in honor of St. Patrick and Irish heritage.
Whether it’s because of their centuries-old parades, huge festivals or unique traditions, here is a look at some of the most interesting and popular locales to get your green on this March.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is a city that knows how to party, so it should come as no shock that it is included as a hot spot for St. Patrick’s Day revelry. What you may find surprising are the items thrown to parade goers. Unlike the customary beads at Mardi Gras, float riders toss the traditional Irish vegetables of cabbages, potatoes, carrots and onions to spectators.
Tokyo, Japan
This one is a bit unexpected, but as many as 30,000 spectators flock to Japan’s capital in March for a parade that mixes Japanese and Irish cultures. Participants in traditional Japanese garb march alongside leprechauns and Irish wolfhounds. Even the deputy prime minister of Ireland has attended in the past.
Boston, Massachusetts
As the city with the most concentrated Irish population as well as the largest number of Irish pubs in the U.S., it’s not surprising that Boston is on this list. More than 600,000 attend the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade that boasts marching bands and bagpipes from all across America and Ireland.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Even South America celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with Buenos Aires hosting the largest Irish parade on the continent. Additional festivities include a street party with Irish-themed music and gatherings at Celtic bars throughout the city.
Chicago, Illinois
The windy city does it up right for St. Paddy’s Day featuring two major parades and countless neighborhood fests. But what really sets Chicago apart on this Irish holiday is their annual tradition of dyeing the Chicago River green. On the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day, spectators gather to watch as boats from The Chicago Plumbers Union turn the 156-mile river a brilliant emerald green. The dye is completely safe and non-toxic and the river returns to its normal hue in 24-48 hours.
Montserrat
If you would like to spend St. Patrick’s Day in a tropical climate head to Montserrat. Due to its rich Irish heritage, this Caribbean island celebrates the holiday big time with ten days of festivities that honor both the tiny nation’s African and Irish cultures. Events include concerts, an African-wear fashion show, art exhibitions and more, all culminating in a colorful parade on March 17th.
Dublin, Ireland
What better place to be on St. Paddy’s Day than the Emerald Isle itself? Ireland’s capital city, Dublin, celebrates with a huge four-day festival that includes a parade, boat races, plays, concerts and, of course, plenty of food and drink. It is estimated that over 15 million pints of Guinness beer will be consumed in Dublin on St. Patrick’s Day.
New York City, New York
The oldest and largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the world is held on March 17 in New York City. Lasting over five hours, the parade marches along the legendary 5th Avenue and features colorful floats, costumed step-dancers and traditional bagpipe players from all over the globe. The centuries-old tradition was started by Irish soldiers in the British army in 1762 and draws two million attendees annually.
