Global Festivities in Honor of St. Patrick's Day
St. Patrick's Day, the annual celebration of Ireland's patron saint, is marked by an array of vibrant and lively events across the globe. From the emerald isle itself to cities far and wide, people come together to honour St. Patrick and celebrate Irish heritage.
In Dublin, the capital of Ireland, the atmosphere is electric, yet the vibe is distinct. The celebrations are enormous and fierce, but they are imbued with a sense of honour, respect, and pride. Locals suggest that the partying in the streets is mostly for tourists or young adults, while most residents celebrate by attending the parade or watching it on television, followed by retreating to local pubs and taverns for celebrations with friends and family.
The St. Patrick's Day parade in Dublin is a spectacle to behold, with participants proudly wearing small bunches of shamrocks pinned above their right breast. This tradition signifies Irish heritage and commemorates how St. Patrick taught the Holy Trinity using the shamrock. Attending church services on this Holy Day of Obligation is also a key part of the oldest St. Patrick's Day traditions observed worldwide.
Across the Irish Sea, London, England, hosts a Saint Patrick's Day celebration that lasts for more than one day. The festivities centre around Hyde Park, where a giant GREEN Ferris wheel and various events take place. The celebration continues until the end of Sunday.
New York City lays claim to the largest St. Patrick's Day parade in the world, with cities such as Philadelphia, Boston, Buffalo, Pittsburgh, and Cleveland in the United States also hosting large parades. The Midwest in the United States has notable Saint Patrick's Day parades and post-parade bashes in cities like St. Louis, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Davenport.
Chicago, another US city, is known for the dyeing of the Chicago River GREEN for St. Patrick's Day. The festivities in Sydney, Australia, are known as the Green Gathering and usually occur on the Sunday before or after St. Patrick's Day, with the celebration including music, entertainment, and food near Alfred Prince Park. Sydney lays claim to the second largest St. Patrick's Day parade in the world, behind New York.
Buenos Aires, Argentina, has a significant Saint Patrick's Day celebration in a 10-block area in the Retiro district, featuring traditional Irish dancing, music, food, and drinks. Argentina has the 5th largest Irish population in the world.
Throughout Ireland, the celebration of St. Patrick's Day is significant, with the festivities extending beyond the capital city of Dublin. The United States, particularly along the East Coast, also has significant St. Patrick's Day celebrations. Every year on March 17th, St. Patrick's Day is celebrated, bringing people together to honour Irish heritage and culture, and to enjoy parades, festivities, and drinks.
