Explore U.S. during St. Patrick’s Day with Irish heritage

Monday, February 19, 2024

 St. Patrick’s Day, a festivity steeped in Irish culture and celebrated worldwide, finds a particularly vibrant expression in the United States. Across the nation, cities large and small don green hues, hosting an array of parades, festivities, and unique traditions that pay homage to Irish heritage.

Here’s a closer look at destinations in United States renowned for their St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, offering both natives and visitors alike a chance to immerse themselves in the holiday’s spirited atmosphere.

Boston, Massachusetts: A St. Patrick’s Day Tradition

Boston, often hailed as the most Irish-American city in the country, boasts a deep-rooted Irish heritage. The city’s St. Patrick’s Day parade is a grand spectacle, drawing about 1 million spectators annually. Beyond the parade, Boston’s Irish Film Festival and the six-day concert series headlined by the Dropkick Murphys encapsulate the city’s rich Irish culture, making it a top destination for St. Patrick’s Day enthusiasts.

Savannah, Georgia: Southern Charm Meets Irish Festivity

Savannah surprises many with its spirited St. Patrick’s Day celebration. The city’s tradition of dyeing the Forsyth Park fountain green, coupled with extensive tailgating events before the historic parade, showcases a unique blend of Southern charm and Irish festivity, positioning Savannah as a must-visit destination for the holiday.

New London, Wisconsin: Transforming into New Dublin

Embracing a novel approach to St. Patrick’s Day, New London (or “New Dublin” for the week) offers an experience unlike any other. With leprechauns officially renaming the city and an Irish funeral parody that includes a mock procession and coffin theatrics, New London provides a whimsically Irish celebration in the heart of Wisconsin.

Chicago, Illinois: The Greening of the Chicago River

Chicago’s iconic river dyeing ceremony marks one of the most recognizable St. Patrick’s Day traditions worldwide. Stemming from a fortuitous discovery in 1961, the annual turning of the Chicago River into a vibrant green spectacle has become a beloved ritual, drawing crowds eager to witness the emerald transformation—a testament to the city’s inventive celebration of Irish heritage.

Hot Springs, Arkansas: The World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Hot Springs hosts the World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade, a quirky event that travels just 98 feet but draws a crowd of 30,000. Attractions like Irish Elvis impersonators and the Arkansas Blarney Stone kissing contest add to the parade’s unique charm, offering a fun-filled celebration in an unexpectedly festive locale.

North Kansas City, Missouri: Embracing Spring with Snake Saturday

North Kansas City’s Snake Saturday, a nod to the legend of St. Patrick driving snakes out of Ireland, is a family-friendly festival that includes a charity cook-off, a children’s lad and lassie contest, and a two-day carnival, offering a community-centric celebration of Irish culture and springtime.

New York City, New York: The Grandeur of the Big Apple’s Parade

New York City’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the largest in the country, but the city also offers a more intimate celebration of Irish culture at the Irish Arts Center’s Annual St. Patrick’s Open Day. With activities ranging from tin whistle lessons to Gaelic football, it’s a perfect opportunity to dive deeper into Irish traditions beyond the parade.

O’Neill, Nebraska: The City of the Largest Painted Shamrock

O’Neill, home to the world’s largest painted shamrock, showcases its Irish pride with unconventional events like a dodgeball tournament and a hypnosis show. The small city’s dedication to celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in a big way makes it a unique stop for those looking to experience the holiday beyond.

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