St Patrick’s Day isn’t just popular in Ireland, it’s a day that’s celebrated in many parts of the world. It actually makes for some very interesting experiences – to be able to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in New York, Toronto and Chicago for example.
Curious? We have all the details for you right here.
New York
New York boasts of quite a robust St. Patrick’s Day celebration. For one thing, did you know that the New York City Saint Patrick’s Day Parade™ is the oldest and largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the world?
We kid you not! The first parade was held on March 17, 1762 — fourteen years before the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Every year the parade is held on March 17th and goes up to the Fifth Avenue beginning at East 44th Street and ending at East 79th Street. There are approximately 150,000 people marching in the parade and it draws about two million spectators.
But St. Patrick’s Day in New York isn’t just limited to the parade. The impressive Empire State Building goes green as well. This year, on March 17, there will be ‘Green Fades With The Irish Flag Rotating In Mast’.
There’s also the Irish Heritage Center in New York where the St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated with open days and events.
Of course, there’s so much to do in New York and you can make a nice, little vacation out of it. Take in all the celebrations, events, open days and the parade for St. Patrick’s Day and use the rest of your vacation to enjoy everything that New York has to offer. From food, drinks, nightlight, museums and more.
You can find many hotels to book here.
You can find the official website for the New York St. Patrick’s Day Parade here.
Toronto
Toronto St. Patrick’s Day parade is one of the largest of its kind parade in Canada. This year, on March 19, the parade will start at 12pm in the corner of St. George Street and Bloor Street and will end at Nathan Phillips Square. This parade is certainly a sight to behold – it often attracts about 100,000 spectators and celebrates the heritage, culture and history of Ireland. There are bands, dancing (but of course!), people waving flags, colourful floats…It’s certainly a beautiful day to experience all that Toronto has to offer. You can find yourself being one with the revellers, as the pleasing notes of bagpipe, the dance moves from the dancing groups and the general festival cheer takes over Toronto.
Booking inspiration made easy by links here.
You can find the official website for the Toronto St. Patrick’s Day Parade here.
Chicago
Did you know that Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day parade dates back to 1858? It’s quite phenomenal. Hundreds of thousands of spectators line up to see floats, dancers, and marching bands close to Lake Michigan.
There’s a corned beef and cabbage dinner, and the parade usually travels through downtown Chicago. It starts at Balbo and Columbus and the units then proceed north on Columbus Drive. If you wanted to simply view the parade, fear not. A viewing stand will be located in front of Buckingham Fountain.
If you’re curious about what dyeing the river is all about: Usually a few hours before the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, 100 pounds of dye is dumped into the Chicago river to turn the water Kelly green.
Find hotels in Chicago here.
You can find the official website for the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade here.
Here’s hoping we have given you some ideas to ring in St. Patrick’s Day at different places in the world, and if you have a story to share about your experience, do write in!
