Discover diverse St. Patrick’s Day celebrations worldwide. Explore customs and traditions across different cultures embracing the Irish spirit.
People in Ireland and the United States celebrate Patrick’s Day on March 17. It’s one of the most popular Irish holidays, where we get to dress up in green, wear four-leaf clover hats, watch colorful parades, and drink a few green cocktails. But a lot of us don’t realize that people from all over the globe celebrate this joyful day.
1. Chicago, Illinois
How do the people of Chicago, Illinois, celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, you might ask? Well, on the morning of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade at around 9 a.m., green dye is thrown into the Chicago River, giving the water a vibrant emerald hue. Later that day, spectators gather to watch as participants walk down the street fully dressed in green clothes and leprechaun costumes. It’s a major blast that lasts pretty much all day.
2. Copenhagen, Denmark
Like most countries that celebrate St. Paddy’s Day, the Danish also throw some wicked parades, but the event that stands out the most is the St. Patrick’s Day 3-legged charity race. This unique event not only celebrates the Irish holiday but also raises money for charity. All participants have to make a pit stop across Irish pubs around town and consume half a pint of beer before going on their way.
3. Montserrat
It should come as no surprise that the Caribbean island of Montserrat celebrates St. Patrick’s Day, given that it is British territory. And unlike other places (with the exception of Ireland, of course), it’s considered a public holiday. This means that the locals with Irish ancestry and their friends are welcome to participate in the annual parade in Irish colors, go pub crawling, or participate in the slave run road race, an event that honors the slaves’ attempt to uprise against their owners in 1768 using the St. Paddy’s Day celebration as a distraction.
4. Boston, Massachusetts
The South Boston area is home to many Irish-Americans who gather around the streets for the United States’ second-largest St. Paddy’s parade, and it’s all kinds of fun! Afterwards, the parade is over, and the participants and spectators will head to one of the many Irish pubs around the city to eat traditional meals like corn beef, cabbage, Guinness, lots of drinks (of course!) and music to dance to.
5. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Believe it or not, Buenos Aires, Argentina, is home to the fifth-largest Irish community on the planet, which is pretty surprising given that the majority of the people in the country are non-English speakers. So, anyone interested in celebrating St. Paddy’s Day will be pleased to know that Buenos Aires has an open-air festival in Avenida de Mayo called BA Celebra Irlanda which offers Irish beer, Irish food like potato pancakes, and traditional folk dancing, too. Both the Irish and Irish at heart get to join in the celebration, along with bagpipers and Irish dancers. Afterwards, everyone gets together to celebrate at the Chicken Bros. sports bar or Buller Brewing Company to down a couple of pints.
In Conclusion
St. Patrick’s Day is a global celebration that unites people from various cultures, backgrounds, and beliefs. Whether it’s through parades, festivals, or traditional customs, the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day brings communities together in joy and camaraderie.
No matter where you are in the world, this festive occasion offers an opportunity to embrace Irish culture, spread cheer, and create lasting memories with friends and loved ones. Cheers to the vibrant tapestry of celebrations that make St. Patrick’s Day a truly special and inclusive holiday for all!
