St. Patrick’s Day is the one national holiday that is celebrated in more countries than any other. Every year on the 17th of March, people from all over the world host parades and parties to toast to the patron saint of Ireland. So, grab a Guinness and check out some of the best places in the world to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day below!
Chicago, United States of America
St. Patrick’s Day celebrations start early in Chicago as the Chicago River is dyed green on the 11th of March. The fun continues with a huge parade Downtown in Grant Park complete with Irish dancing and a big band. The South Side Parade is held the following day alongside the 2017 Emerald Isle Mile, a timed race that raises money to support the parade.
Sydney, Australia
Sydney goes green for St. Patrick’s Day with a number of events to celebrate the life of the patron saint. Restaurants and pubs host St. Patrick’s Day parties in the evening, complete with Irish bands and themed food and drink. The celebrations come to a head with the Green Gathering festival in the city, featuring a day of family fun and a parade with marching bands and dancers.
Prague, Czech Republic
Home to many world-renowned Irish pubs and bars, Prague stretches out the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations for as long as a week! Promotional parties, Irish flags and leprechaun decorations are found all over Praha 1 and the two countries’ shared love of music and beer certainly makes for an amazing party atmosphere.
Boston, United States of America
St. Patrick’s Day is a big deal in Boston, with over 20% of its residents claiming Irish heritage. The city celebrates with a flurry of events, including a tie-in with the Irish Film Festival, Irish heritage trails and a St. Patrick’s Day Parade in South Boston. Legendary punk band Dropkick Murphys play a rollicking homecoming gig every year at the House of Blues and pubs around the city play homage to the luck of the Irish.
London, England
London celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with a giant parade in Central London. The procession passes some of the city’s famous landmarks, such as Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square and Whitehall. There are also a number of fringe events held across the capital, including an Irish walking tour, themed parties at London’s vibrant Irish pubs and bars, exhibitions of Irish art, and live performances of Irish music and poetry across London Underground tube stations.
Liverpool, England
Liverpool has a rich Irish heritage after many Irish citizens fled to the port city during the potato famine, creating strong family ties with the city. St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are held all over the city, with themed parties thrown in almost every bar in the city centre. A parade will be held on the morning of the 17th, with many local bands supporting, including the Liverpool Irish Flute Band.
Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo loves to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, with thousands turning out to the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The parade of Irish-themed floats run through the shopping district of Harajuku and the city is decorated with Irish flags and shamrocks.
Dublin, Ireland
Last but certainly not least, Dublin is the place to be on St. Patrick’s Day. The capital of Ireland, Dublin, hosts a plethora of events showcasing Irish culture and heritage over four days from the 16th – 20th of March. The city centre is overtaken with parades and colourful floats and bands come to play from all over the world. Be sure to head to a traditional Irish pub and drink a few pints of Guinness in celebration with the locals!
Ready to celebrate St Patrick’s Day? Find cheap flights travelling to destinations across the globe with Webjet!
Feature Image Credit: Sonny Abesamis / CC by 2.0.
