Saint Patrick's Day

Saint Patrick's Day History

Saint Patrick's Day is a cultural and religious holiday observed by both Irish and non-Irish communities. It is traditionally a commemoration of Saint Patrick and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland. Furthermore, it is also a celebration of the heritage and culture of the Irish. The holiday has cultural and religious significance, displaying Irish symbols such as the shamrock and the color green.

The celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day in the United States goes back to the 18th century. It was first celebrated in Boston in 1737 and in New York City in 1762, mainly by Irish immigrants as a means of preserving and celebrating their Irish heritage. Today, it serves as a time for Americans of all backgrounds to celebrate Irish culture by wearing green, eating Irish meals, participating in parades, and engaging in celebrations across the country.

In America, Saint Patrick's Day is celebrated annually on March 17th, regardless of the day of the week. This date correlates with the death of Saint Patrick. Cities, such as Chicago and New York, host grand Saint Patrick's Day parades, showcasing numerous floats and performers. It is common to see participants and spectators dressed in green - the color associated with Ireland. Some cities, like Chicago, go one step further by coloring their rivers or streams green as a part of the holiday traditions.

Top 10 Facts for Saint Patrick's Day in 2026

• The historical figure celebrated during the Saint Patrick’s Day festivities was not actually of Irish descent, but was born in Roman Britain under the name Maewyn Succat before being captured by raiders and taken to Ireland as an enslaved youth.
• While the holiday is now synonymous with the color green, the original shade associated with the saint was actually a specific light blue known as Patricius blue, which still appears on ancient Irish flags and the robes of the Order of Saint Patrick.
• The tradition of the Saint Patrick's Day Parade did not originate in Ireland but was actually popularized in the United States, with the earliest recorded celebration taking place in the Spanish colony of Saint Augustine, Florida, in 1601.
• The famous legend that the saint banished all snakes from the Emerald Isle is considered by modern scientists to be an allegory for the removal of pagan influences, as fossil records indicate that post-glacial Ireland never actually hosted any native snake populations.
• For the upcoming 2026 celebration in Illinois, the Chicago River Dyeing will involve the use of a secret, eco-friendly vegetable-based powder that turns the water a bright fluorescent green for several hours.
• The iconic three-leafed shamrock became a central theme of the holiday because it was reportedly used as a visual aid to explain the concept of the Trinitas to the pagan Irish.
• Although often served as a traditional meal in America, the dish known as Corned Beef and Cabbage was an innovation of Irish immigrants in New York who substituted expensive bacon with more affordable cured beef purchased from Jewish butchers.
• Many revelers participate in a custom known as pota Phádraig or "drowning the shamrock," which involves placing a clover in the bottom of a final glass of whiskey and drinking it to ensure a year of prosperity.
• The saint's own autobiographical writing, titled the Confessio, provides one of the few primary historical accounts of 5th-century Ireland and details his spiritual journey from a captive shepherd to a missionary.
• Global landmarks ranging from the Great Wall of China to the Colosseum in Rome will participate in the Global Greening initiative by illuminating their facades in emerald light to honor Irish heritage.

In the News and Trending in the US for Saint Patrick's Day

Top things to do in the US for Saint Patrick's Day

• Wear green! In some parts of the world, the custom is to pinch people who aren't wearing the color of shamrocks.
• The heart of any Irish neighborhood is its local pub. Share a couple of green Guinness beers with friends at a local Irish pub or try Magner's (Bulmer's) apple cider as an alternative.
• Attend a St. Patrick's Day parade. Major cities like Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Dallas, and Boston host marching bands and floats.
• Why not try the custom of drowning the shamrock? A shamrock is placed in a cup and filled with whiskey, cider, or beer. One makes a toast and must chug the drink. It is usually done at the end of celebrations.
• Enjoy a traditional Irish meal. A traditional Irish St. Patrick's Day meal would include roasted leg of lamb, carrots, parsnips, peas and lots of potatoes!