Saint Patrick’s Day, celebrated on March 17th, has evolved into a major cultural event, influenced by Irish communities worldwide, particularly in North America. Traditionally a religious holiday, it has grown into a day filled with parades, music, and the wearing of green.
Parades, which started in North America in the 18th century, only became common in Ireland in the 20th century. These events feature marching bands, cultural groups, and even carnival-style celebrations. One such event happened in Chicago over the weekend with a parade and the tradition of dying the Chicago River green which started in 1962.
Since 2010, Tourism Ireland’s “Global Greening Initiative” has illuminated over 300 landmarks in green worldwide, including the Toronto CN tower, Sydney Opera House and New York’s Empire State Building.
Festive drinking traditions are also a hallmark of Saint Patrick’s Day. Many breweries prepare months in advance to meet the demand for Irish whiskey and stout, with customs like “drowning the shamrock”. A tradition that involves placing a shamrock in your last whiskey of the evening and then throwing the shamrock over your left shoulder once you’ve finished for luck.