St. Patrick's Day 2025: About & Events

St. Patrick's Day is an annual holiday celebrated on March 17th. This event is recognized as a national holiday in Ireland and a cultural celebration in many parts of the United States. On this day, people of all backgrounds come together to celebrate Irish culture, heritage, and traditions.

St. Patrick's Day is celebrated in the United States with great enthusiasm and aplomb. It's a time of vivid parades, dynamic music, and voracious feasting, where people dress up in green💚 (the color associated with Ireland) and participate in a multitude of festivities. One of the most widespread traditions is to attend a St. Patrick's Day parade in cities across the country. These parades typically feature marching bands, bagpipers, dancers, and elaborate floats, all cheerfully decked out in green attire.

Another common practice is to consume traditional Irish food and drink. People often gather with friends and family to enjoy corned beef, cabbage, Irish soda bread, and even green beer! It's also typical to enjoy traditional Irish music, dancing, and entertainment on display in the streets.

Brief introduction to St. Patrick's Day

Person walking down Dame Lane | source: Jordan Harrison@Unsplash

St. Patrick's Day honors Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Born in Britain in the late 4th century, Saint Patrick was kidnapped and taken to Ireland as a slave. After escaping captivity, he returned to Ireland to spread Christianity and is credited with converting the Irish to Christianity. He is also known for using the three-leaf clover, or shamrock, to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity.

Today, St. Patrick's Day is a holiday celebrated in the United States and many other parts of the world, which pays tribute to the rich culture and heritage of the Irish people. It is a day of parades, music, food, and drink, where people of all backgrounds come together to celebrate Irish traditions and the legacy of Saint Patrick. The next St. Patrick's Day will be on March 17th, 2025.

This article features everything you need to know about St. Patrick's Day, including its Irish origins, historical background in the US, traditions, events in major US cities, and so much more!

The Origins of St. Patrick's Day

Shamrocks | source: Artur Kornakov@Unsplash

St. Patrick's Day originates in Ireland and has been commemorated in one form or another for over 1,000 years. The holiday began as a religious observance in honor of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Patrick was born in Britain in the 4th century and kidnapped by Irish raiders when he turned 16. He was transported to Ireland and later sold into slavery. While living in slavery, Patrick converted to Christianity for solace, and after six years, he escaped his captors and returned to Britain.

Upon his return, Patrick became a priest and was later dispatched to Ireland to spread the gospel. It is said that he used the three-leaf clover, or shamrock, to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity to the Irish people. Over time, he became a revered figure in Ireland, and after his death, he was honored with a holiday in his name. The prevalence of St. Patrick's Day events across the world all stem from this event.

St. Patrick's Day in the United States

Irish dancing regalia | source: Jon Sailer@Unsplash

St. Patrick's Day is a holiday deeply ingrained in American culture, with celebrations and events taking place across the country every year. However, the history of the holiday in the US is a relatively recent phenomenon.

The first St. Patrick's Day parade in the US occurred in New York City in 1762. At the time, the city had a large population of Irish immigrants, and the Irish Society of New York organized the parade to celebrate their heritage. The parade included bagpipes and drums, as well as many people wearing green, the color that has become synonymous with the event.

In the following years, St. Patrick's Day celebrations flourished across the US, particularly in cities with prominent Irish populations, such as Boston, Philadelphia, and Chicago. However, it wasn't until the late 19th century that St. Patrick's Day truly became a national holiday in the US.

One of the key figures in shaping St. Patrick's Day in the US is Archbishop John Hughes. Hughes, who was born in Ireland and emigrated to the US in 1817, was an outspoken advocate for Irish immigrant rights. He viewed the holiday as an opportunity to honor Irish culture and to promote the idea that Irish Americans were an integral part of American society.

In 1848, Hughes organized a St. Patrick's Day parade in New York City that was the largest in the city's history up to that point. The parade featured more than 20,000 marchers, and it helped to establish the event as a keystone holiday in the US.

Green cupcake | source: Unsplash

St. Patrick's Day swelled in popularity throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries across the US. In 1903, the first parade was held in Chicago, and in 1929, the city began dyeing the Chicago River green to mark the occasion. This tradition continues to this day and has become one of the most iconic images of St. Patrick's Day in the US.

During the 20th century, St. Patrick's Day events in the US continued to evolve. In certain cities, the holiday became a more family-oriented affair, with parades showcasing floats and performances by school groups and community organizations. In other cities, particularly those with considerable Irish populations, St. Patrick's Day remained raucous and even disorderly, with revelers taking to the streets en masse with music, dancing, and drinking.

Today, St. Patrick's Day is celebrated in cities and towns across the US, with parades, festivals, and other events taking place throughout March. While the holiday has advanced over the years, it continues to be a way for Irish Americans and others to celebrate Irish culture and heritage, come together, and celebrate the beginning of spring.

The holiday has even become a fixture in popular culture in the US, with references to the holiday appearing in movies, television shows, and even video games. For example, the popular animated series "The Simpsons" has aired several St. Patrick's Day-themed episodes over the years, while the video game "Assassin's Creed III" features a St. Patrick's Day mission set in Boston during the Revolutionary War. The holiday has also been referenced in popular songs, such as "Danny Boy" and "The Wild Rover."

St. Patrick's Day Traditions

Eager parade attendees | source: Sophie P @Unsplash

St. Patrick's Day is a holiday steeped in tradition, with many customs and symbols that have become synonymous with honoring Irish culture and heritage. While these traditions have evolved over time, they remain an essential component of the holiday, particularly in the US, where it is widely celebrated.

One of the most recognizable symbols of St. Patrick's Day is the shamrock, a three-leafed plant said to have been used by St. Patrick himself to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity to the people of Ireland. Today, the shamrock is often worn as a symbol of Irish pride, and it is a common feature of St. Patrick's Day decorations and attire in the US.

Another significant tradition associated with St. Patrick's Day is the wearing of green clothing. While the origins of this practice are vague, it is believed to have started in the 17th century, when green ribbons and shamrocks were worn to showcase support for Irish independence. Today, wearing green on St. Patrick's Day personifies the lush green landscapes of Ireland, and the streets become a sea of green figures in cities and towns holding parades on the day.

In addition to sporting green clothing, many people demonstrate love for the holiday by decorating their homes and businesses with green and gold decorations, such as banners, balloons, and streamers. This is often accompanied by the display of other Irish symbols, such as the harp, which is the national symbol of Ireland. Irish music and dance have become the mainstay of the US's St. Patrick's Day celebrations. Many cities host festivals and performances that showcase traditional Irish music, including the fiddle, flute, and bodhran drum. Irish step dancing, characterized by intricate footwork and precise movements, has also become popular in the US, thanks partly to shows like "Riverdance" and "Lord of the Dance." Many Irish musicians and dancers come to the US during March to perform and teach workshops.

Another popular St. Patrick's Day tradition in the US is the consumption of Irish food and drink. This includes traditional cuisines such as corned beef and cabbage, shepherd's pie, and Irish soda bread, as well as Irish beer and whiskey. Numerous bars and restaurants offer St. Patrick's Day specials, and it's not uncommon for individuals and workplaces to host St. Patrick's Day parties or attend events at local bars and restaurants.

Irish green beer | source: Patrick Fore@Unsplash

It is worth noting that St. Patrick's Day traditions in the US are not limited to Irish Americans. The holiday has become a mainstream cultural event, with people of all backgrounds coming together to promote Irish culture and heritage. This widespread inclusivity is a focal point of the holiday, and it reflects how St. Patrick's Day has evolved and adapted over time to become a celebration of Irish identity and culture that is shared by people of all backgrounds and nationalities. The holiday has also become a lucrative opportunity for businesses to offer special promotions and discounts, particularly in the food and beverage industry.

Parade attendees dressing up | source: Chris Kofoed@Unsplash

However, St. Patrick's Day isn't without controversy. Some people have criticized the commercialization of the holiday and the excessive drinking that takes place. Others point to the historical discrimination and hardship that Irish immigrants faced in the United States and argue that the holiday should be used as a way to remember and honor their struggles.

Despite these debates, St. Patrick's Day remains a landmark holiday in the United States and a highlight for both domestic and international tourists. Whether attending a parade, sampling wholesome Irish food and drink, or simply donning green attire, St. Patrick's Day is a time to embrace the rich and complex history of Ireland and its people. Below, we will showcase five of the best St. Patrick's Day events in the United States for 2025 for you to check out!

Top 5 cities for St. Patrick's Day Celebrations

1. New York City, NY - St. Patrick's Day Parade

The Piper | source: Johnny Cohen@Unsplash

St. Patrick's Day celebrations in New York City are some of the most famous and elaborate worldwide, drawing huge crowds from all over the US and beyond. The parade, which dates back to 1762, takes place on March 17th and attracts over 2 million spectators each year. The parade route runs along 5th Avenue from 44th Street to 79th Street and features more than 150,000 marchers, including bagpipers, step dancers, and Irish bands. The parade begins at 11:00am and lasts for approximately 6 hours. It is recommended to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot.

In addition to the parade, there are many other St. Patrick's Day events taking place in New York City. The St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl is a popular event in various bars and pubs throughout the city, offering participants the chance to sample a variety of craft Irish beers and smooth whiskies. Another highlight is the St. Patrick's Day Party Cruise, which takes place on the Hudson River and offers stunning views of the New York skyline.

For those seeking a more traditional experience, there are many Irish pubs and restaurants throughout the city that offer authentic Irish cuisine and live music. One of the most recognized is McSorley's Old Ale House, which has been serving patrons since 1854 and is said to be the oldest continuously operating bar in New York City. Another hotspot is the Dead Rabbit, which has won numerous awards for its cocktails and offers an electric atmosphere with live music and traditional Irish dancers.

An interesting piece of trivia about St. Patrick's Day in New York is the fact that the parade has been held annually since 1762, making it one of the oldest St. Patrick's Day parades in the world. The parade was initially organized by Irish soldiers serving in the British Army in New York, and it has since become a beloved tradition in the city. Even the Empire State Building is lit up in green on St. Patrick's Day, adding to the day's festive atmosphere!

2. Boston, MA - St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival

Capturing the moment | source: Skyler Gerald@Unsplash

St. Patrick's Day is a major event in Boston, with the city hosting one of the largest and most famous St. Patrick's Day parades in the US. The first St. Patrick's Day parade in the city was held in 1737, making it one of the world's oldest St. Patrick's Day celebrations. The parade, which takes place on March 17th, is the largest St. Patrick's Day parade in New England and features more than 600,000 spectators annually. The parade route runs through South Boston, starting at the Broadway T Station at 1.00pm, and it will wind its way through the city for two and a half miles ending at Andrew Square. The parade features various participants, including marching bands, bagpipers, Irish dancers, and floats decorated with Irish-themed designs.

Boston also hosts a St. Patrick's Day Festival at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, which includes live music, Irish food and drink, and other activities. The festival takes place from 10:00am to 6:00pm. Many historical sites and landmarks throughout Boston are associated with Irish American history, including the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, the Boston Irish Famine Memorial, and the Massachusetts State House, which features a statue of Irish revolutionary leader Robert Emmet.

Numerous pubs and bars throughout the city also offer St. Patrick's Day specials and entertainment. One of the most popular destinations in the Black Rose, an iconic Irish pub in the heart of Boston's Faneuil Hall area with live music and a feisty atmosphere on St. Patrick's Day.

Overall, St. Patrick's Day in Boston is a vibrant and exciting celebration of Irish culture and heritage, with something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're looking to attend the parade, participate in a festival, or simply enjoy some Irish food and drink, Boston is the perfect destination for St. Patrick's Day 2025.

3. Chicago, IL - Dyeing of the River and the St. Patrick's Day Parade

Chicago River | source: Dan Gold@Unsplash

St. Patrick's Day in Chicago is a city-wide event, with a week-long celebration that culminates in one of the largest parades in the country. In 2025, the festivities will kick off on Saturday, March 8th, and continue through Saturday, March 15th.

One of the most iconic events during the St. Patrick's Day celebration in Chicago is the annual dyeing of the Chicago River. This tradition dates back to 1962 when a group of plumbers decided to dye the river green to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. The river dyeing initially used 100 pounds of vegetable dye, but today, only 40 pounds are used to achieve the same vibrant green color. Today, the river is dyed a bright green using an eco-friendly dye that is safe for the environment. The river dyeing takes place on Saturday, March 15th, at 9:00am, and it can be viewed from several locations along the river, including the Michigan Avenue Bridge, the Wabash Avenue Bridge, and the Columbus Drive Bridge.

Michigan Avenue Bridge / Source: Trip.com

Another popular event during the St. Patrick's Day celebration in Chicago is the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade. The parade takes place on Saturday, March 18th, and features elaborate floats, marching bands, and Irish dancers. The parade starts at noon and follows a route through downtown Chicago, beginning at Balbo and Columbus and ending at Monroe and Columbus. Arriving early to secure a good viewing spot is recommended, as the parade can get rather crowded!

In addition to the river dyeing and the parade, many other events occur throughout the week, including a St. Patrick's Day 5K run, a pub crawl, and various concerts and cultural events. The Irish American Heritage Center also hosts several weekly events, including live music, dance performances, and cultural exhibits.

If you plan to attend the St. Patrick's Day celebration in Chicago, it's recommended to dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes, as the weather can be unpredictable, and there is a lot of walking involved. It is also wise to stay hydrated and to bring cash, as many vendors and businesses do not accept credit cards.

4. Savannah, GA - St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival

All dressed up | source: Skyler Gerald@Unsplash

The St. Patrick's Day Parade in Savannah is one of the oldest in the United States, dting back to 1813. Savannah is home to one of the biggest St. Patrick's Day celebrations in the United States, and p no xcThe parade, which takes place on March 17th, is the largest in Georgia and features more than 300,000 spectators yearly. The parade route runs through historic downtown Savannah and features more than 350 marching units, including bands, dancers, and military units. In addition to the parade, the city also hosts a St. Patrick's Day Festival, which takes place on St. Patrick's Day itself, March 17th, and begins at 10:15am at the corner of Abercorn and Gwinnett streets. The parade route winds through the city's historic district, passing by some of Savannah's most iconic landmarks, including Forsyth Park and City Hall.

Forsyth Park / Source: Trip.com

The River Street St. Patrick's Day Celebration is another popular option, featuring live music, food vendors, and plenty of green beer. The celebration takes place from March 14th to March 17th and is free to attend.

The Tara Feis Irish Celebration is a must-visit event for those looking to get a taste of Savannah's Irish heritage. This family-friendly festival takes place on March 11th and features traditional Irish music, dance, and Irish food and drink. The event is held at Emmet Park and is free to attend.

Other St. Patrick's Day events in Savannah include the Greening of the Fountain in Forsyth Park on March 7th, where the park's iconic fountain is dyed green in honor of the holiday, and the Celtic Cross Ceremony at Emmet Park on March 9th, which commemorates the contributions of Irish immigrants to Savannah's history.

Assorted color-button pin lot | source: Unsplash

For those planning to attend the St. Patrick's Day celebrations in Savannah, arriving early to secure a good spot for the parade and wearing comfortable shoes for walking are advised. Additionally, visitors should be aware of the city's open container laws, which allow alcohol to be consumed in designated areas of the historic district during the holiday.

Finally, it is worth noting that Savannah's St. Patrick's Day celebrations have a long and storied history, dating back over 200 years. The city's Irish community has played a vital role in shaping Savannah's cultural landscape, and the St. Patrick's Day celebrations are a testament to their enduring legacy.

5. San Francisco, CA - St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival

St. Patrick's Day celebrations in San Francisco are some of the year's most anticipated events, with thousands of people flocking to the city to participate in the festivities. In 2025, a multitude of St. Patrick's Day events will take place throughout the city, catering to all tastes and interests.

One of the most popular events in San Francisco is the St. Patrick's Day Parade, which takes place on March 15th, 2025. The parade will begin at 11:30am at 2nd and Market Street and proceed down to Civic Center Plaza. The parade will feature marching bands, Irish dancers, colorful floats, and a variety of other performers. You should arrive early to secure a good spot along the parade route.

Another popular event in San Francisco is the St. Patrick's Day Block Party, which will be held on March 15th and 16th, 2025, in the heart of the city's Irish community, the Mission District. The party will feature live music, dancing, food and drink, and other festive activities. The party will begin at 11:00am and continue into the evening, making it the perfect way to spend the day celebrating St. Patrick's Day.

Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall / Source: Trip.com

For those looking for a more refined St. Patrick's Day celebration, the San Francisco Symphony will host a special St. Patrick's Day concert on March 17th, 2025. The concert will take place at the Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall and feature traditional Irish music and performances by world-renowned musicians. Tickets for the show are sure to sell out quickly, so those interested are encouraged to purchase them in advance.

Numerous St. Patrick's Day pub crawls, parties, and other festivities are also scheduled throughout San Francisco. Visitors are encouraged to check with local event listings and Irish pubs for more information on these events.

Celebrating St. Patrick's | source: Amanda Marie@Unsplash

In addition to the cities listed above, there are many other communities throughout the country that celebrate St. Patrick's Day in their own unique way. From small towns to large cities, there are parades, festivals, and other events taking place across the country. Whether you're Irish or not, St. Patrick's Day is a great opportunity to celebrate with friends and family and experience the rich culture and traditions of Ireland.

What makes St. Patrick's Day so popular?

Irish girl at the parade | source: Sophie P@Unsplash

St. Patrick's Day has a special place in the hearts of many Americans, particularly those with Irish heritage. While it is a religious holiday in Ireland, in the United States, it has become a celebration of Irish culture and identity, as well as a fun excuse to party and wear green.

Today, St. Patrick's Day is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the United States, with festivities occurring in cities and towns across the country. According to the National Retail Federation, Americans plan to spend a record $7.2 billion, or an average of $44.40 per person in 2024, with much of that money going toward food, drinks, and decorations for parties and events.

One reason for St. Patrick's Day's popularity in the US is that it is a relatively low-key holiday. Unlike Christmas or Thanksgiving, there are no family obligations or gift-giving expectations associated with St. Patrick's Day. Instead, it is a day to let loose, have fun, and maybe drink a little too much. In fact, it is estimated that Americans consume around 13 million pints of Guinness on St. Patrick's Day alone.

Another reason for the status of St. Patrick's Day in the US is the strong sense of Irish identity and pride that many Americans feel, even if they are not of Irish descent. Many people in the US have at least some Irish ancestry, and St. Patrick's Day is seen as a way to celebrate that heritage and connect with their roots. In addition, Irish culture has had a significant impact on American culture as a whole, from literature and music to sports and politics. St. Patrick's Day is a way to honor and recognize that influence.

Of course, St. Patrick's Day is not without its controversies. Some people criticize the holiday for promoting negative stereotypes of Irish Americans, such as the idea that they are all heavy drinkers. Others point out that St. Patrick's Day celebrations often involve cultural appropriation, with non-Irish people wearing stereotypical "Irish" clothing or engaging in other inappropriate behavior. In recent years, there has also been concern about the environmental impact of St. Patrick's Day celebrations, particularly the practice of dyeing rivers and other bodies of water green.

Despite these issues, however, St. Patrick's Day remains a beloved and important holiday for many Americans. It is a day to come together with friends and family, enjoy good food and drink, and celebrate Ireland's rich culture and history. Whether you're Irish or not, St. Patrick's Day is a chance to let loose, have fun, and maybe even learn something new about this beloved holiday.

St. Patrick's Day 2025 - FAQs