Melanie DeCastro Ah, St. Patrick’s Day! On this day, laughter and merriment fill the air as the world turns green. But what exactly are we celebrating, and how did this global phenomenon come to be?
Certainly celebrated annually on March 17th, honors St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, and commemorates the arrival of Christianity in Ireland. What started as a religious feast day in the 17th century, has evolved into a global celebration of Irish culture, heritage, and identity.
St. Patty’s Day infuses special traditions with a sprinkle of magic into the festivities. But where are the best places to experience the full-blown Irish extravaganza? Fear not, Soñadores, for we have scoured the globe to bring you the top three destinations to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in style!
St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin, Ireland
The Emerald Isle, where St. Patrick’s Day is not just a celebration but a national institution! Dublin, the heart and soul of Ireland, is the ultimate destination for anyone looking to immerse themselves in all things Irish.
Dublin boasts a rich history dating back centuries, and St. Patty’s Day holds a special place in its storied past. As the birthplace of the St. Patrick’s Festival, Dublin takes its celebrations seriously, offering a kaleidoscope of events and activities for locals and visitors alike.
The streets adorned with green banners, the sound of fiddles and bodhráns filling the air, and a sea of smiling faces decked out in shades of emerald. Especially during the St. Patrick’s Festival Dublin transforms into a bustling hub of parades, music, dancing, and cultural events, ensuring there’s never a dull moment.
From exploring historic landmarks like Dublin Castle and Saint Patrick’s Cathedral to sampling traditional Irish fare at cozy pubs, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate in Dublin. Besides the usual traditions let’s not forget the legendary craic (fun) that awaits around every corner!
New York City, USA
Concrete jungle where dreams are made of…and where St. Patrick’s Day takes on a life of its own! Secondly, NYC is the number one place in the U.S. to celebrate St. Patty’s Day. New York City, with its vibrant Irish-American community, pulls out all the stops to ensure March 17th is a day to remember.
Even though New York is a melting pot of cultures and traditions, it embraces its Irish heritage with gusto. From the Queens to Manhattan, the city comes alive with the spirit of the Emerald Isle.
The pièce de résistance? The St. Patrick’s Day Parade, of course! Dating back to 1762, this iconic procession marches proudly up Fifth Avenue. Moreover the parade showcases a dazzling array of floats, marching bands, and cultural performances. Although the fun doesn’t stop there! Pubs across the city host lively celebrations. Including traditional music, hearty Irish fare, and maybe a pint or two of Guinness.
In New York, Irish-American heroes are paid homage to from vistors. Also, visitors snap selfies with the statue of Molly Malone in Times Square. New York City offers a multitude of ways to honor Irish culture and history.
Chicago, USA
Chi-town may not be the first place that springs to mind when you think of St. Patrick’s Day. Yet, Chicago knows how to party! Unlike NYC, Chicago has its own unique traditions, offering a one-of-a-kind celebration that’s not to be missed.
In Chicago, the river is dyed green! Since 1962, the city has been turning the Chicago River emerald green. The green honors of St. Patty’s Day, a spectacle that draws crowds from far and wide.
What a time to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day
And there you have it, Soñadores – the top three destinations to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in all its glory! From Dublin to Chicago, there’s a pot of gold at the end of every rainbow.
So why not join the festivities and raise a glass to the luck of the Irish? Whether you’re dancing a jig in Dublin, marching in the parade in New York City, or marveling at the green river in Chicago, St. Patrick’s Day is a time to come together, celebrate our shared heritage, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
