St. Patrick's Day Celebrations in the United States
The St. Patrick's Day we know was widely shaped by American adaptations of the holiday. In fact, citizens of Ireland have even modeled their celebrations after those seen in America. This Americanized view of St. Patrick's Day typically includes parades, libations, fare, and decorations themed around leprechauns, pots of gold, and shamrocks.Some of the United States' most notable St. Patrick's Day celebrations take place in cities teeming with descendants of Irish immigrants. Boston, New York City, and Chicago were major hubs for Irishmen during the potato famine of the mid-1800s. On March 17 each year, many citizens - Irish or otherwise - take part in the merriment. All three cities hold large parades. Chicago sets itself apart by coloring the Chicago River green through a process of vegetable dyes. In a nod to tradition, St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City offers a mass in honor of their namesake.
Smaller towns in the United States show their Irish pride on St. Patrick's Day. The town of O'Neill, Nebraska claims to be the state's Irish capital. The town's main intersection displays the world's largest shamrock which has been painted on the pavement. Each year, their weekend-long festivities feature a running race called the Shamrock Fun Run and a children's story time reading of Dr. Seuss's Green Eggs and Ham.
Another small town with a big celebration is Hot Springs, Arkansas, which is home to the World's Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade. An annual event, the parade is often attended by celebrities who serve as Grand Marshals and assist with measuring the 98-foot parade route. The day also features the Blarney Stone Kissing Contest.
St. Patrick's Day Celebrations in Europe
Dubliners have embraced the Americanized version of St. Patrick's Day and celebrate the holiday through a five-day festival featuring a parade, comedy shows, and carnival rides. They have made the celebration about more than entertainment, however, and hold events focusing on their history and culture. In honor of their patron Saint, the town offers the In the Footsteps of Saint Patrick Walking Tour which takes participants to the ancient sites and churches of the city. Other storytelling events highlight important figures in Ireland's past.The Irish have always maintained ties with continental Europe through trade, religion, and emigration. Not surprisingly, Ireland's European neighbors celebrate the holiday as well. Barcelona, Spain hosts an annual regatta in honor of St. Patrick's Day. Each year, participants race their boats by day and party by night. Bands playing Irish music and Celtic dancers are regulars at the event, all taking place on Spanish soil.
Copenhagen, Denmark also holds a sporting competition on St. Patrick's Day - a three-legged race with 700 participants. Racers don't simply dash to a finish line, however; they visit Irish pubs along the way consuming at least half a pint of beer at each location. Proceeds of the event support three charities; one Danish, one Irish, and one international.
St. Patrick's Day Celebrations in the Pacific Rim
Irish pride has even spread to the Pacific Rim. Japan's St. Patrick's Day celebration is held in the country's holiest city, Ise. Each year, 500 or more participants gather at the Ise Shrine to begin the St. Patrick's Day parade. Japanese children are costumed as leprechauns and adults dress up like St. Patrick and play bagpipes. During this parade, the Japanese and the Irish flag wave in tandem.In Australia, people claiming Irish heritage form the second-largest ancestral group. The Irish-Australian community aids in planning an eight-day celebration surrounding St. Patrick's Day in Brisbane. Events include The Irish Radio Program, which features the latest Irish music and news. A family sports day with a Tug of War competition is also offered.
Nearby, Auckland, New Zealand marks the beginning of their festivities with The Emerald Ball, a formal social event. The upscale ball features food and Irish craic, or fun and enjoyment. The next day, games of Gaelic football, originating from traditional Irish ball games, will take place in the city. A fleadh, or performance of time-honored Irish song and dance, is a regular event.
St. Patrick's Day Celebrations in South America and the Caribbean
Many Irishmen immigrated to Argentina in the 1800s to escape famine and the social and political turmoil of their home country. Today, Buenos Aires has a large population of Irish-Argentine citizens who celebrate their heritage on St. Patrick's Day. Following a parade, the city is transformed into a large party scene complete with live music and libations. Motor traffic is blocked on several streets until 5 a.m.The Caribbean island of Montserrat has two reasons to celebrate on March 17. One, the island is home to a small population of Irish who are largely descended from indentured servants. Two, African slaves staged an unsuccessful revolt on March 17, 1768. Both events, including the ultimate emancipation of slaves and indentured servants, are celebrated as part of a week-long celebration surrounding St. Patrick's Day. Festivities include the aptly-named Freedom Run, a St. Patrick's Day mass, fishing competitions, guided hikes into the mountains, Calypso music, and the Slave Feast where traditional food is sold. Additionally, Montserrat is known as "the other Emerald Isle".
St. Patrick's Day, while based on the memory of an Irish saint, has become a true global holiday that celebrates Irish culture through parades, food and drink, and religious services.
