Saint Patrick’s Day, celebrated every year on March 17th, is a cultural and religious holiday originating from Ireland. It’s a day to honor Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, and celebrate Irish culture and heritage.
Over time, this celebration has spread across the globe, with many cities hosting their own unique festivities. Here are 24 of the largest cities where Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated in grand style.
24 Largest Cities With Saint Patrick’s Day Celebration
- New York City, USA
- Dublin, Ireland
- Boston, USA
- Chicago, USA
- London, UK
- Sydney, Australia
- Toronto, Canada
- Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Montreal, Canada
- San Francisco, USA
- Philadelphia, USA
- Liverpool, UK
- Glasgow, Scotland
- Belfast, Northern Ireland
- Savannah, USA
- Manchester, UK
- Brisbane, Australia
- Auckland, New Zealand
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Seoul, South Korea
- Tokyo, Japan
- Moscow, Russia
- Beijing, China
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
1. New York City, USA
New York City, often referred to as the “city that never sleeps,” is known for its grand Saint Patrick’s Day celebration.
The city hosts one of the largest and oldest Saint Patrick’s Day parades in the world, dating back to 1762. Over 150,000 participants march in the parade, with millions of spectators lining the streets.
The parade route extends along Fifth Avenue, passing by iconic landmarks such as St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Central Park.
In addition to the parade, numerous Irish pubs in the city celebrate with traditional Irish music, food, and of course, plenty of Guinness.
2. Dublin, Ireland
As the capital of Ireland, Dublin is at the heart of Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations. The city hosts a multi-day festival that attracts over a million visitors each year.
The festival includes a large parade featuring bands and performers from around the world. The streets of Dublin come alive with music, street performances, and pop-up markets selling Irish crafts and food.
Many visitors also take the opportunity to explore Dublin’s rich history and visit landmarks such as the Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College, and the Jameson Distillery.
3. Boston, USA
Boston, a city steeped in Irish heritage, holds some of the most spirited Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations in the United States. The city’s Saint Patrick’s Day parade is a major event, drawing crowds of up to a million people.
The parade route winds through South Boston, the city’s predominantly Irish-American neighborhood, and features marching bands, bagpipers, and elaborate floats.
In addition to the parade, the city hosts numerous events such as Irish film festivals, concerts featuring Irish music, and cultural activities that pay tribute to Boston’s Irish roots.
4. Chicago, USA
Chicago’s Saint Patrick’s Day celebration is one of the most unique in the world. The city is famous for dyeing its river an emerald green, a tradition that has been upheld for over 50 years.
The dyeing of the river is accompanied by a large parade through downtown Chicago, featuring bagpipers, Irish dancers, and floats.
The city’s numerous Irish pubs join in the celebration, offering traditional Irish fare, live music, and vibrant parties that continue late into the night.
From the green river to the lively atmosphere, Saint Patrick’s Day in Chicago is truly a sight to behold.
5. London, UK
Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated In London, with much fanfare. The city hosts a grand parade that passes through iconic locations like Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus.
The parade features marching bands, colorful floats, and performers showcasing Irish music and dance.
Trafalgar Square also hosts a festival where visitors can enjoy traditional Irish food, music, and dance performances.
Many of the city’s pubs and restaurants also join in the celebrations, offering special menus and live music.
The city’s landmarks, including the London Eye and Tower Bridge, are often lit up in green, adding to the festive atmosphere.
6. Sydney, Australia
Sydney, with its significant Irish population, celebrates Saint Patrick’s Day in a big way. The city hosts a parade that winds through the city center, featuring floats, marching bands, and performers.
Following the parade, a family day is held in Hyde Park, with Irish music, dance performances, and stalls selling Irish food and crafts.
The Sydney Opera House, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, is lit up in green in honor of the holiday.
Many of the city’s Irish pubs also hold special events, offering traditional Irish food, music, and plenty of craic.
7. Toronto, Canada
Saint Patrick’s Day in Toronto, home to a large Irish community, celebrates Saint Patrick’s Day with a variety of events.
The city’s Saint Patrick’s Day parade is one of the largest in North America, featuring floats, marching bands, and performers.
The CN Tower, one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, is lit up in green for the occasion. Many of the city’s Irish pubs celebrate with live music, traditional Irish food, and plenty of Guinness.
The city also hosts numerous cultural events, including Irish film screenings, music performances, and art exhibits.
8. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires, despite being far from Ireland, has a vibrant Saint Patrick’s Day celebration. The city has a significant Irish community, and Saint Patrick’s Day is one of the biggest parties of the year.
The city center turns into a large street party, with live music, dance performances, and plenty of Guinness.
Many of the city’s Irish pubs join in the festivities, offering traditional Irish food and music. The celebration is a testament to the enduring influence of Irish culture, even in the most unexpected places.
9. Montreal, Canada
Montreal, known for its vibrant multicultural scene, hosts one of the oldest and largest Saint Patrick’s Day parades in North America.
The parade, which dates back to 1824, features a variety of floats, marching bands, and performers. The city’s Saint Patrick’s Day celebration also includes a charity ball, a tradition that has been upheld for over a century.
Many of Montreal’s Irish pubs join in the festivities, offering traditional Irish fare, live music, and a lively atmosphere that continues late into the night.
10. San Francisco, USA
San Francisco, a city known for its cultural diversity and progressive spirit, celebrates Saint Patrick’s Day with a parade and festival. St Patrick’s Day in San Francisco.
The parade, which is one of the largest in the city, features floats, marching bands, and performers showcasing Irish music and dance.
The festival, held at the Civic Center Plaza, includes Irish food, music, dance performances, and cultural exhibits.
Many of the city’s Irish pubs also hold special events, offering traditional Irish food, music, and plenty of craic.
11. Philadelphia, USA
Philadelphia, a city with a rich Irish heritage, holds some of the most spirited Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations in the United States. St Patrick’s Day in Philadelphia.
The city’s Saint Patrick’s Day parade is a major event, drawing crowds of up to a million people. The parade route winds through the city center, featuring marching bands, bagpipers, and elaborate floats.
In addition to the parade, the city hosts numerous events such as Irish film festivals, concerts featuring Irish music, and cultural activities that pay tribute to Philadelphia’s Irish roots.
12. Liverpool, UK
Liverpool, home to one of the oldest and most significant Irish communities in the UK, celebrates Saint Patrick’s Day with a variety of events.
The city hosts a parade featuring floats, marching bands, and performers showcasing Irish music and dance.
Liverpool’s many Irish pubs join in the festivities, offering traditional Irish fare, live music, and a lively atmosphere.
The city also hosts several cultural events, including film screenings, music performances, and art exhibits, all celebrating Irish culture and heritage.
13. Glasgow, Scotland
Glasgow, the largest city in Scotland, has a significant Irish diaspora and celebrates Saint Patrick’s Day with enthusiasm.
The city hosts a vibrant Saint Patrick’s Day festival that spans over a week, featuring music concerts, dance performances, film screenings, and cultural talks that highlight Irish heritage.
The festival culminates in a parade through the city center, with participants showcasing Irish music, dance, and folklore.
Glasgow’s many Irish pubs join in the festivities, offering traditional Irish fare, live music, and a lively atmosphere.
14. Belfast, Northern Ireland
Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, has a deep connection to Saint Patrick and celebrates the holiday with a range of events.
The city hosts a carnival parade featuring floats, performers, and marching bands. Following the parade, a free concert is held at Custom House Square, featuring local and international artists.
Many of the city’s pubs and restaurants also hold special events, offering traditional Irish food, music, and dance performances.
Belfast’s Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations provide a blend of tradition and modern entertainment, making it a memorable experience for locals and tourists alike.
15. Savannah, USA
Savannah, Georgia, may not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of Saint Patrick’s Day, but it hosts one of the largest Saint Patrick’s Day parades in the United States.
The city’s celebration includes a parade that winds through the beautiful historic district, featuring floats, marching bands, and performers. St Patrick’s Day in Savannah.
The grand parade, Savannah hosts numerous events such as the Greening of the Forsyth Park Fountain, where the city’s famous fountain is dyed green, and the Celtic Cross Ceremony, a traditional service that celebrates the city’s Irish heritage.
16. Manchester, UK
Manchester, home to a large Irish community, celebrates Saint Patrick’s Day with a two-week festival that includes a parade, music and dance performances, and cultural activities.
The festival, one of the largest in the UK, showcases the best of Irish culture and heritage. The city’s Saint Patrick’s Day parade is a highlight of the festival, featuring floats, marching bands, and performers. St Patrick’s Day in Manchester.
Manchester’s many Irish pubs join in the festivities, offering traditional Irish fare, live music, and a lively atmosphere.
The city also hosts several cultural events, including film screenings, music performances, and art exhibits, all celebrating Irish culture and heritage.
17. Brisbane, Australia
Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, Australia, celebrates Saint Patrick’s Day with a vibrant parade that showcases the city’s Irish heritage.
The parade features floats, marching bands, and performers, creating a lively atmosphere. Following the parade, a family day is held in the city center, featuring Irish music, dance performances, and stalls selling Irish food and crafts.
Many of the city’s Irish pubs join in the festivities, offering traditional Irish fare, live music, and a lively atmosphere.
18. Auckland, New Zealand
Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand, celebrates Saint Patrick’s Day with a variety of events. The city hosts a parade featuring floats, marching bands, and performers showcasing Irish music and dance.
Following the parade, a family day is held in the city center, with Irish music, dance performances, and stalls selling Irish food and crafts.
Many of the city’s Irish pubs also join in the festivities, offering traditional Irish fare, live music, and a lively atmosphere.
19. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town, known for its stunning landscapes and diverse culture, celebrates Saint Patrick’s Day with a variety of events.
The city’s Irish pubs host special events, offering traditional Irish food, music, and plenty of Guinness. In addition, the city’s landmarks, including Table Mountain, are often lit up in green in honor of the holiday.
The celebrations in Cape Town provide a unique blend of Irish tradition and South African hospitality, making it a memorable experience for locals and tourists alike.
20. Seoul, South Korea
Seoul, the capital of South Korea, may be far from Ireland, but the city embraces Saint Patrick’s Day with enthusiasm.
The city hosts a festival that includes a parade, music, and dance performances, and a variety of cultural activities.
The festival, organized by the Irish Association of Korea, aims to promote Irish culture and strengthen the ties between Ireland and South Korea.
The city’s Irish pubs join in the festivities, offering traditional Irish fare, live music, and a lively atmosphere.
From the parade to the pub celebrations, Saint Patrick’s Day in Seoul is a testament to the global reach of Irish culture.
21. Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo, the bustling capital of Japan, celebrates Saint Patrick’s Day with a parade and festival in the Harajuku and Omotesando areas.
The parade features participants dressed in green, showcasing Irish music and dance. The city’s Irish pubs join in the festivities, offering traditional Irish fare, live music, and a lively atmosphere.
Saint Patrick’s Day celebration in Tokyo is a testament to the global reach of Irish culture, bringing a touch of Ireland to the heart of Japan.
22. Moscow, Russia
In Moscow, the capital of Russia, Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated with a parade and a variety of events.
The city’s Irish pubs host special events, offering traditional Irish food, music, and plenty of Guinness.
The city also hosts some cultural events, including Irish film screenings, music performances, and art exhibits, all celebrating Irish culture and heritage.
Despite the geographical distance, the spirit of Saint Patrick’s Day is alive and well in Moscow.
23. Beijing, China
Beijing, the capital of China, celebrates Saint Patrick’s Day with a variety of events. The city’s Irish pubs host special events, offering traditional Irish food, music, and plenty of Guinness.
In addition, the city’s landmarks, including the Great Wall of China, are often lit up in green in honor of the holiday.
The celebrations in Beijing provide a unique blend of Irish tradition and Chinese hospitality, making it a memorable experience for locals and tourists alike.
24. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio de Janeiro, known for its vibrant culture and festive spirit, celebrates Saint Patrick’s Day with a variety of events.
The city’s Irish pubs host special events, offering traditional Irish food, music, and plenty of Guinness. In addition, the city’s landmarks, including the Christ the Redeemer statue, are often lit up in green in honor of the holiday.
The celebrations in Rio de Janeiro showcase the global influence of Irish culture, bringing a touch of Ireland to the heart of Brazil.
Conclusion
Saint Patrick’s Day is a global celebration that transcends borders. From Tokyo to Rio de Janeiro, the spirit of this Irish holiday is alive and well in the 24 largest cities with Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations.
These cities, each with their unique traditions and festivities, showcase the universal appeal of Irish culture.
Whether it’s through parades, music, food, or community events, these cities prove that Saint Patrick’s Day is more than just a day it’s a worldwide celebration of Irish heritage and camaraderie.
FAQs
Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated worldwide due to the global Irish diaspora. Irish immigrants brought their traditions with them, including the celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day. Over time, these celebrations have been adopted and adopted by people of many different cultures.
Celebrations vary from city to city, but common elements include parades, wearing of green attire, public festivals, and traditional Irish music and food. Some cities also illuminate their landmarks in green.
The tradition of dyeing rivers green started in Chicago in 1962 as a part of their Saint Patrick’s Day celebration. It has since been adopted by other cities as a fun and festive way to celebrate the holiday.
Traditional Irish dishes served on Saint Patrick’s Day include corned beef and cabbage, Irish stew, soda bread, and shepherd’s pie. Many people also enjoy Irish beverages like Guinness and Irish whiskey.
The parade is a key part of Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations, providing a platform for communities to showcase Irish music, dance, and culture. It’s a festive event that brings people together to celebrate Irish heritage.
