St Patrick’s Day: Where to join the emerald-coloured party

Jolly leprechauns, shamrocks, and Guinness beer are just a few of the symbols associated with St Patrick’s Day. This religious and cultural festival is celebrated yearly on March 17^th, the date of Saint Patrick’s death—Ireland’s patron saint.

It falls during the Christian season of Lent and has been observed for over 1,000 years with parades and parties all around the world. St Patrick’s Day traditional recipes include Irish soda bread, corned beef and cabbage, while Celtic music rings through the streets. 

By Giulia Daniele
@sleeponthesofaa

Joining the St Patrick’s celebrations is an experience like no other, but where to go to do it right? Let’s find out!

1. Dublin, Ireland

You say St Patrick’s Day, we say Dublin. It’s no surprise that the Irish capital is the first city that springs to mind when talking about this holiday. The best way to enjoy it is to soak up the vibrant atmosphere on the streets, filled with emerald-coloured costumes, music sessions and cèilidh (Irish dance parties). But this isn’t all! Dublin’s parade is what sets it apart. It was first held in 1931 and attracts thousands of visitors every year. 

2. Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo’s first-ever St Patrick’s Day parade was held in 1992, and it was a success, to say the least. Since then, Japan’s capital has integrated Irish culture into its own, creating a party for locals and tourists. And they don’t celebrate for just one day! The party kicks off early on March 16^th with the iconic I Love Ireland Festival and continues into the next. Expect fantastic costumes, traditional Irish music and delicious food in abundance. It doesn’t get much better than this, right?

3. Montserrat, British Territory

Named the ‘Emerald Isle of the Caribbean’, Montserrat throws one of the world’s biggest St Patrick’s Day celebrations. The only place outside of Ireland where the festivity is a national holiday, Montserrat goes all out by hosting a fun-filled, 10-day festival. Its 4,000 residents gear up for a party like no other with traditional music, dance, food and drinks. And they get to do all this in swimsuits and sunglasses. No better way to soak up the Irish energy!

4. Buenos Aires, Argentina

Home to the fifth-largest Irish population in the world, Buenos Aires is a wonder on St Patrick’s Day. The ‘Fiesta de San Patricio’ is a tribute to Irish heritage and comes alive with parades, music festivals and costume competitions. You can enjoy the parade at Plaza San Martin or dance your socks off on Reconquista Street. Or you can do both—the city is your oyster!

5. Montreal, Canada

Held for the first time in 1824, Montreal’s St Patrick’s Day festival gets bigger and bigger every year. Residents and tourists flock to the streets to join the celebrations, which include parades, marching bands, and a bigger-than-life Saint Patrick that is hard to miss. The city’s flag pays homage to the Irish, depicting a green shamrock on one of the quadrants—a bond written in history!

6. New Orleans, United States

Huge parades crowd New York while the Chicago River is dyed green, but make no mistake—New Orleans knows the deal, too. Block parties, street parades and other vibrant celebrations make the city glow and the people smile. Parasol’s Bar in the Irish Channel and the Garden District are two of the best spots to enjoy the party. And if you scream, ‘Throw me something, Mister!’ while the parade is moving, you may receive flowers and beads, but watch out for potatoes, onions and cabbages sailing through the air, too!

St Patrick’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the Irish culture at its finest, so don’t miss out on the party. I sure won’t!

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