ElfySt. Patrick’s Day isn’t just an Irish holiday—it’s a global celebration of Irish culture, history, and, of course, the color green!
Every year on March 17th, people across the world come together to honor Ireland’s patron saint with parades, music, and plenty of traditional Irish food and drink. But what makes this day so special, and how is it celebrated in different corners of the world?
Let’s take a look at some of the biggest and most unique ways people celebrate this day!
The Heart of the Celebration: Ireland
It goes without saying that Ireland knows how to throw a proper St. Patrick’s Day party. While the day was originally a religious feast, today it’s a full-blown national holiday.
Cities like Dublin, Cork, and Galway come alive with massive street parades, live music, and public festivals filled with Irish dancing and storytelling.
Many people attend church services in the morning before diving into the lively festivities that last well into the night.
For those seeking a more traditional experience, small villages and towns throughout Ireland hold their own local parades and gatherings, where communities come together to celebrate in a more intimate and authentic way.
And of course, no St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland would be complete without a pint of Guinness or a plate of Boxty, Colcannon, or Irish stew—all dishes that hold deep roots in Irish culinary heritage.
The United States: Bigger, Louder, and Greener
With millions of Irish descendants, the United States takes St. Patrick’s Day to another level. Cities like New York, Chicago, and Boston hold some of the largest and most iconic parades in the world, featuring thousands of performers, floats, and marching bands.
One of the most famous traditions happens in Chicago, where the river running through the city is dyed bright green—an eye-catching spectacle that draws visitors from all over.
Meanwhile, in New York, the city’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the oldest and largest in the world, dating back to 1762! In Boston, where Irish heritage is especially strong, celebrations often include traditional Irish music sessions (known as "trad sessions") in pubs and a strong emphasis on family-friendly activities.
The parade moves through a historic city street.
St. Patrick’s Day Around the World
While Ireland and the U.S. may be the biggest celebrators, other countries have embraced St. Patrick’s Day with open arms:
Australia – Cities like Sydney and Melbourne hold lively parades, while local landmarks light up in green to mark the occasion.
Canada – Montreal boasts one of the longest-running parades, going strong for over 200 years.
Argentina – Buenos Aires hosts an enormous street party, where locals and visitors enjoy Irish music and dance late into the night.
Japan – Tokyo has been celebrating St. Patrick’s Day since 1992 with a unique mix of Irish and Japanese cultural performances.
Germany – Munich, known for its beer festivals, doesn’t disappoint when it comes to St. Patrick’s Day, with a mix of parades and pub crawls.
How to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day Like an Irish Local
Want to bring the Irish spirit into your own home? Here are a few ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day no matter where you are:
Cook traditional Irish food – Try making dishes like Guinness Pie, Boxty, Colcannon, or Irish Coffee for an authentic taste of Ireland.
Wear green – Whether it’s a full outfit or just a small shamrock pin, wearing green is a must on March 17th.
Raise a toast – Whether it’s with a pint of Guinness or a Baileys Irish Cream, celebrate with a traditional Irish drink.
Listen to Irish music – Create a playlist filled with traditional Irish folk tunes, or enjoy some modern Irish rock bands.
Watch a parade – If you can’t attend one in person, many cities stream their St. Patrick’s Day parades online.
St. Patrick’s Day: More Than Just a Party
While it’s easy to focus on the fun, St. Patrick’s Day is also a day to reflect on Irish culture, history, and heritage.
Whether you’re of Irish descent or just love the spirit of the day, it’s a time to honor traditions, embrace the joy of celebration, and share in the warmth of Irish hospitality.
So, wherever you are in the world this March 17th, raise a glass and say "Sláinte!"—because on St. Patrick’s Day, everyone can feel a little bit Irish.
