Celebrated every year on March 17, the holiday honors Saint
Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. What began as a religious feast day has
grown into a global celebration of the Irish culture.
Over time, the holiday became more secular and festive,
features the wearing of the green, a myriad of parades, Irish music and dancing and public
festivals.
Here are some top
cities in the U.S. renowned for their unique celebrations of St. Patty’s
Day you may want to consider if you’re into the luck of the Irish.
Boston city scene. (Photo via Collette) (Photo Credit: Provided by Collette)
Boston, Massachusetts
Often taking top billing for a St. Patrick’s Day
destination, Boston has deep Irish roots, an impressive historic parade and
numerous festivities held throughout the city.
Boston has one of the largest Irish American populations in
the United States, originating during the 19th century Great Famine
that brought large numbers of Irish immigrants to settle in this area. The
massive South Boston Parade, one of the oldest in the U.S. dates back to the
1700s and takes over the city for the weekend, drawing hundreds of thousands of
spectators and featuring marching bands, military groups, Irish cultural
organizations and community floats. And let’s not forget the never-ending flow
of the Irish Guiness.
Savannah, Georgia
Home to one of the largest and most spirited St. Patrick’s
Day celebrations in the country, Savannah’s deep Irish heritage, Southern charm,
and massive parade turnout make it a perennial holiday travel hotspot.
The parade originated in 1824, making it one of the oldest
continuous St. Patrick’s Day parades in America with marching bands, elaborate
floats and traditional Irish societies. Savannah goes all-in as the iconic
fountain in Forsyth Park is dyed green in the days leading up to the
celebration, and people line the oak-shaded streets in full Irish attire as the
Southern belle hosts a series of concerts, festivals, and multi-day celebrations.
Chicago River dyed green for St. Patrick's Day. (Photo Credit: jake/Adobe Stock)
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago’s annual river dyeing is one of the most
recognizable St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the U.S. The tradition of
coloring the Chicago River an emerald green started in 1962. Today a special
environmentally safe dye is poured into the river, the color lasting several
hours, and drawing huge crowds that can’t resist the spectacle.
Multiple parades include a downtown extravaganza along
Columbus Drive and The South Side Irish parade, one of the largest neighborhood
Irish parades in the country featuring marching bands, Irish dancers and pipe
and drum corps. From neighborhood pubs to large street parties, the entire city
participates in this historic celebration.
New York City, New York
New York has one of the largest Irish American populations in
the world. And due to its rich Irish heritage, vibrant parade and numerous
Irish pubs, the city is a favorite destination to celebrated St. Patrick’s Day.
New York City’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, first held in 1762
is the oldest and largest in the world, attracting over 150,000 participants
and nearly three million spectators. The parade marches up Fifth Avenue,
passing landmarks like St. Patrick’s Cathedral, which serves as a spiritual
focal point of the celebration. It’s so renowned, the event gets international
media coverage. Official pub crawls feature countless Irish bars filled with
revelers.
Band plays during a St. Patrick's Day parade. (Photo Credit: motionshooter/Adobe Stock)
San Antonio, Texas
One of the city’s most iconic
traditions is the dyeing of the San Antonio River Walk bright green for this
Irish holiday. It’s a nod to Chicago’s famous river dyeing but in a uniquely
different setting against a scenic backdrop of stone bridges, cypress trees and
riverside cafes. Mid-March in San Antonio also brings mild temperatures and
sunshine, ideal for outdoor celebrations.
The picturesque River Walk
transforms into a fun and festive colorful parade with barges moving through
one of Texas’ most famous cultural corridors. You’ll find Irish music mixed
with Texas hospitality, along with traditional Irish fare, Tex-Mex specials,
green beer, and high energy crowds.
People enjoying Guinness at Mullaney's Harp and Fiddle (Photo via Mullaney's Harp and Fiddle) (Photo Credit: Mullaney's Harp and Fiddle)
Niagara Falls (New York and
Canada)
It may seem an unusual
destination to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day; however, it’s a spectacular place as
it combines natural wonder with dramatic scenery. One of the most incredible
sights you’ll see is both the U.S. and Canadian Niagara Falls illuminated
bright green in honor of the holiday. Mid-March can still feel wintry in
Western New York and Ontario, which makes the misty, powerful Falls even more
dramatic. The cool air, roaring water, and green illumination create an
unforgettable atmosphere.
Both the U.S. and Canadian sides
offer lively pubs with live music, traditional Irish fare and themed drinks
along with parades, marching bands, Irish dancers, and a ton of community
participation.
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