American St. Patty’s Day Parties
America has a rich cultural tradition interwoven with the people of Ireland and Irish culture can be found in some of America’s biggest and best cities. This means you don’t have to go all the way across the pond to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in style this year.
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade in NYC is one not to be missed. The first was held in 1766 and it’s been a long-standing tradition ever since. If you’re heading to Chicago be sure to arrive by March 15th to see the dyeing of the Chicago River. You could also head to Boston and watch the parade along with nearly one million other spectators.
New York
Nobody does a parade quite like New York City. No matter what time of the year, New Yorkers are keen to line the streets and celebrate holidays in any of the four seasons.
Dating back to the mid-18th century, the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade is surely the oldest. Beginning at 11 a.m., the parade heads up Fifth Avenue, past St. Patrick’s Cathedral and up to 79th Street. And like and traditional marcher’s parade, there are no fancy floats or vehicles — just the sounds and sights of proud people walking, singing and playing music.
Chicago
Some people dye their hair green for St. Patrick’s Day. Others enjoy sipping on a pint of green beer.
Chicago takes it one step further. For the last 40+ years, the Chicago River has been dyed green in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. Harkening back to the Emerald Isle, the bright green color of the Chicago River is breathtaking.
Started inadvertently in 1961 by Stephen Bailey, the tradition continues today, adding a bright, celebratory green path through the heart of Chicago’s many four- and five-star hotels, first-rate eateries and premier shopping destinations.
Boston
There’s no city in the U.S. more closely associated with Ireland than Boston. Which is why the city is home to some of the country’s biggest St. Patty’s Day festivities.
Take the Irish Pub Challenge, for example — teams meet at a designated pub (in green/Irish apparel, of course) at 10 a.m., grab a beer and hang out/chat with new friends until it’s the designated time to go to the next one.
This goes on until 8 p.m., when the winning team is declared (and more hanging out/drink hoisting takes place). It’s a casual, fun way to take in one of America’s oldest, most storied cities.
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