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From green rivers to vibrant parades, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations around the world showcase the enduring spirit of Irish heritage. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.
Micayla ShevlinMarch 10, 2025
Ireland is the homeland of St. Patrick’s Day, yet the holiday has grown far beyond the country’s borders. From dyeing rivers to freedom runs, these cities prove that no matter where you are, everyone’s a little Irish on March 17th.
Boston: the birthplace of St. Patrick’s Day in America and host of the first recorded celebration in 1737. Today, nearly 20% of Bostonians claim Irish ancestry. The South Boston Parade winds through the historic “Southie” neighborhood, a massive display of colorful floats and Irish bands. Live music fills pubs like The Black Rose or The Burren, where celebrations rage all day.
Book your St. Patrick’s Day trip to Boston.
The southwest coastal city blends Irish traditions with Japanese culture for a unique St. Patrick’s Day celebration. The annual Ise St. Patrick’s Day Parade is rooted in the country’s small but passionate Irish community. Backdropped by the historic Ise Shrine, the parade features Irish dancers, bagpipers and green-clad locals, creating a bridge between the two nations.
Book your St. Patrick’s Day trip to Ise via Nagoya.
Argentina’s Irish population is small but mighty, and Buenos Aires celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with South America’s largest Irish festival in the Retiro neighborhood. The streets come alive with music, dancing and Guinness-filled revelry. The Kilkenny Pub is a must-stop for locals and visitors. Argentina’s unique Irish-Latin fusion makes this one of the most culturally rich celebrations outside Ireland.
Book your St. Patrick’s Day trip to Buenos Aires.
Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration is legendary, anchored by its world-famous tradition of dyeing the Chicago River green—a practice that began in 1962. The downtown parade dazzles with bagpipers and floats, while the family-friendly South Side Irish Parade celebrates Chicago’s deep Irish roots. Visitors can explore Irish culture through exhibits and performances at the Irish American Heritage Center before heading to iconic pubs like Chief O’Neill’s.
Book your St. Patrick’s Day trip to Chicago.
Brussels’ St. Patrick’s Day Parade reflects Ireland’s strong ties to Belgium, forged during World War I when Irish units fought alongside Belgian forces. The parade winds through the streets and is led by the Brussels Caledonian Corneymusers pipe band. Monuments like the Grand Place light up in green and Irish pubs like Celtica have Guinness flowing.
Book your St. Patrick’s Day trip to Brussels.
Montserrat is the only place outside of Ireland where St. Patrick’s Day is a public holiday. The 10-day-long festival blends Irish and Afro-Caribbean traditions. Parades, live music and dishes like goat water stew make the celebrations uniquely Montserratian. The freedom run and masquerade dancing commemorate slave history and an uprising that occurred there on St. Patrick’s Day in 1768, adding a powerful layer to this celebration.
Sydney’s St. Patrick’s Day Festival is a nod to the Irish convicts and settlers who arrived in Australia during the 18th and 19th centuries. The Rocks district hosts a parade and markets, with Irish dancing, face-painting, food stalls and more. Landmarks like the Sydney Opera House have previously gone green, and pubs like The Mercantile Hotel, the oldest Irish pub in Australia, offer live music and drink specials.
Book your St. Patrick’s Day trip to Sydney.
St. Patrick’s Roman lineage and Christian ties resonate in Italy, inspiring celebrations like Irlanda in Festa in Padua. Held in Prato della Valle, one of Europe’s largest public squares, the festival fills the city with Irish music, dance, and culture. Concerts and themed events highlight Italy’s growing connection to Irish heritage, while Bloody Murphy’s offers the perfect spot to toast with a Guinness.
Book your St. Patrick’s Day trip to Padua via Venice.
Kansas City’s St. Patrick’s Day tradition dates back to 1873 when Irish immigrants settled in the area for work. The city’s main parade, held in Midtown, showcases Irish pride with colorful floats, marching bands and dancers. A local favorite is the Snake Saturday Parade, which raises money for local charities.
Book your St. Patrick’s Day trip to Kansas City.
New York’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a historic celebration dating back to 1762. Today, it’s the world’s largest St. Patrick’s Day parade. Fifth Avenue becomes a sea of green as bagpipers, marching bands, and Irish organizations celebrate the city’s Irish immigrant legacy. Afterward, the celebration continues at St. Patrick’s Cathedral for a special mass, or at legendary bars like The Dead Rabbit, known for its award-winning cocktails and lively Irish atmosphere.
Book your St. Patrick’s Day trip to New York.
From lively parades to unexpected traditions, St. Patrick’s Day unites cultures in a shared celebration of heritage and joy. Each destination brings its unique history and spirit, proving that Irish heritage knows no borders.