Five Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day
Watch the Dublin Irish Festival here
Every year, the streets are painted green in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. Due to my appreciation for Celtic culture St. Patrick’s Day is one of my favorite holidays. From parades to dancing here are five ways to celebrate in Irish Style.
First, Some History
Celebrations are fun and the reason why is even more captivating.
St. Patrick’s Day originated in the church in observation of St. Patrick’s death in the fifth century.
March 17th was celebrated exclusively as a religious holiday for over 1,000 years.
The first St. Patrick’s Day parade was held on March 17, 1601, in St. Augustine, FL.
Homesick Irish Soldiers serving in the English military marched in New York City in 1762 to honor the Patron Saint.
Since arriving in the United States this once-religious holiday has now become a secular observation of Irish culture.
Celebrate with a Weekend Getaway
There are many places to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day but these locations stand out as great weekend getaways:
Chicago, IL
The streets may not be painted green but the Chicago River sure is. The Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day, the river is dyed green. While in the city, attend the South Side Irish Parade. The parade starts on West 103rd Street and South Wester Ave. in Beverly and marches south to West 115th Street and S. Western Ave. in Morgan Park.
Savannah, GA
This charming southern town goes green during the Irish holiday. The 19th-century landmark, Forsyth Park Fountain, is dyed green for St. Patrick’s Day. The town also celebrates with a St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the Celtic Cross Ceremony.
Watch the Dublin Irish Festival on Finding Festivals here
Dublin, OH
Midwest aside this town is full of Irish Spirit all year round. In August, Dublin, Ohio hosts one of the largest Irish festivals in America – The Dublin Irish Festival. During St. Patrick’s Day, the city of Dublin participates in the miles-long parade through historic Dublin, has many Irish pubs throughout the city and has a Celtic Cocktail Trail.
Attend a Parade
Parades are like a storybook of the host community. Here are some neat parades worth checking out:
New York City, NY
The world’s oldest and largest St. Patrick’s Day parade takes place in Midtown Manhattan on 5th Avenue.
Jackson, MS
For one week Jackson Mississippi fuses Mardi Gras festivities with Irish heritage for the annual Hals St. Paddy’s Parade and Festival. On the fourth Saturday of March the town hosts two parades (a pet parade and the Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade), a children’s festival and an afterparty with live music.
Boston, MA
With 20% of Boston’s population claiming to have family origins in Ireland, it’s understandable why this parade is so large. The South Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade celebrates Evacuation Day and the Patron Saint of Ireland. A fun fusion of American history and Irish heritage.
Cleveland, OH
Celebrating its 175th anniversary (2025) the Cleveland St. Patrick’s Day is coordinated on St. Patrick’s Day. It starts at Superior Avenue at East 118th Street in downtown Cleveland and ends at the intersection of Rockwell Avenue and Ontario Street. Nearly 500,000 spectators gather to enjoy floats, dancing, music and more.
Watch Finding Festivals
The Dublin Irish Festival episode of Finding Festivals is perfect for celebrating the holiday and avoiding crowds (if that is more your style).
Get Moving
Irish Step is synonymous, well for me, with St. Patrick’s Day. Whether you watch a performance with Michael Flatley, enjoy a local performance or join a Ceili Dance, moving is part of the culture.
Share a Cheers
Whether is an Irish Whiskey-based drink from Dublin, Ohio’s Celtic Cocktail Trail or you enjoy a little Guinness in some Irish chocolate walnut cake it’s fitting to share a cheers on St. Patrick’s Day.
What are some of your favorite traditions you enjoy on St. Patrick’s Day?