St. Patrick was Irish but Ireland isn’t the only place that gets covered in green on this day. St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated across the globe, more than any other national day. What started out as a Christian celebration in the honour of Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, has turned into festivals and celebrations all around the world.
The largest celebration is held in Downpatrick, which is considered as the place where St. Patrick is buried. However, there are numerous countries that celebrate St Patrick’s Day, and you might even be amazed by some of them.
1.USA
St. Patrick’s Day is huge in the United States, celebrating the long-standing Irish-American culture. Interestingly the first parade held to honour this day took place in the U.S and not in Ireland. The festivities include big displays of the colour green with Irish themed parties, drinks and food.
If you’re a parade fanatic then Manhattan’s mayhem is the right place for you. It consists of a six-hour-long affair that features around 150,000 dancers, musicians, and more. Chicago and Boston also have large-scale St Patrick’s Day parades. You can even witness the Chicago River dyed green for the occasion!
2. Ireland
St Patrick’s Day or “Paddy’s Day,” as the locals call it, is Ireland’s national holiday. Around 1 million people take part in this festival in Dublin, a multi-day celebration featuring parades, concerts, outdoor theatre, and fireworks. In rural Ireland, especially on the islands and in the Irish speaking areas, this day is celebrated in a traditional style with traditional music and dancing, horse racing, and GAA matches.
During St. Patrick’s Day drinking a pint of Guinness is one of the most important things to do in Ireland. You can find people wearing a small bunch of Shamrocks on their right breast to signify their Irishness and its traditional connection with St. Patrick.
3. Montserrat
Montserrat is a 17th-century Irish Catholic settlement located in the Caribbean island known as “the other Emerald Isle”. The country’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are known throughout the world and pack a surprisingly large punch. It is the only other country in the world where St Patrick’s Day is actually a public holiday.
It is celebrated for around 10-days in which the people commemorate the first slave rebellion and involves a calypso competition, kite festival, and a freedom run. No other country in the world besides Ireland give so much importance to this day, so expect its festivities to quite entertaining.
4. UK
The United Kingdom will surely be on the list since it is Ireland’s closest neighbour, and England, Scotland, and Wales are home to many Irishmen. Many UK cities hold parades with the biggest one being in Birmingham after Dublin and New York. London’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are utterly brilliant with the London Eye illuminated with a shamrock hue.
There are hours-long live performances by well-known musical artists in the Trafalgar Square. Also, as the day draws near you can witness signs appearing in many pubs across the country, advertising various parties and specials. Enjoy the green-dyed Irish Whiskey and Guinness with your friends and be a part of the celebrations.
5. Argentina
Argentina is one of the most astonishing countries that celebrate St Patrick’s Day. Did you know that Buenos Aires, the largest city and capital of Argentina holds one of the largest Irish populations in the world? It is home to the largest St Patrick’s Day celebration in South America with various festivals and events taking place across the city, including a party in the city centre.
You can enjoy live music, folk dance performances by Celtic Argentina, costume contest, an annual parade, and more than 50 food and drink stalls. Dress as a leprechaun or fairy and enjoy this massive celebration with your family and friends.
6. Australia
Australia has a huge Irish population and therefore it is not surprising that it’s another place where St Patrick’s Day celebrations are in abundance. The celebrations are similar to the UK with pubs and bars offering traditional Irish whisky and Guinness.
There is a massive gathering of people in various cities, wearing green coloured outfits in order to celebrate the Irish culture. Do not forget to visit the iconic Sydney Opera House which is lit green for the holiday.
7. New Zealand
New Zealand is another such country which has huge St. Patrick’s day celebrations, all thanks to its citizens claiming Irish heritage. New Zealand’s tallest building, the Sky Tower at SKYCITY Auckland, is usually lit with green lighting for the night. A parade is also held in Auckland during the day along with gala dinners, dances, athletic championships, and more.
You can visit various Irish pubs located in the city to be a part of the lively parties with people dancing to Irish music and often drinking Guinness.
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