St. Patrick’s Day: Why the World Goes Green on 17th March

St. Patrick’s Day is that magical time of year when rivers turn green, people wear more shamrocks than should be legal, and the world collectively agrees that Guinness is a perfectly acceptable breakfast beverage. It’s a day of parades, music, laughter, and, depending on where you are, some very questionable leprechaun outfits. But before it became an excuse for overindulgence and wildly enthusiastic renditions of Irish folk songs, it was a religious holiday honouring the man himself—Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.

Patrick wasn’t actually Irish, which feels like an oversight for the job title. Born in Roman Britain in the late 4th or early 5th century, he was kidnapped by Irish raiders as a teenager and sold into slavery. After several years herding sheep and contemplating his life choices, he managed to escape back to Britain, but Ireland, for reasons best known to himself, stayed on his mind. Eventually, he returned—not for revenge, but to convert the Irish to Christianity. Legend credits him with driving all the snakes out of Ireland, which sounds impressive until you realise Ireland never had snakes to begin with. Still, it’s a nice metaphor for his efforts in spreading Christianity.

By the time of his death on 17th March, Patrick had left an indelible mark on Irish history. His feast day was celebrated quietly for centuries, mostly as a religious occasion. It wasn’t until Irish emigrants took their traditions abroad that things got lively. The first St. Patrick’s Day parade wasn’t even in Ireland—it was in the Spanish colony of St. Augustine (now Florida) in 1601, organised by an Irish priest who clearly knew how to throw a party. But it was the Irish communities in America, particularly in cities like Boston and New York, that turned the day into a full-blown spectacle, complete with massive parades, floats, marching bands, and an ever-growing enthusiasm for all things green.

Back in Ireland, the holiday remained a relatively solemn affair for quite some time. Pubs were even closed on St. Patrick’s Day until the 1970s, which, in hindsight, seems like a rule that was never going to last. When tourism officials realised they could market the day as a global Irish celebration, everything changed. Now, cities around the world light up their landmarks in green, from the Sydney Opera House to the Empire State Building, proving that on 17th March, everyone is at least a little bit Irish.

For those looking to celebrate properly, there are endless ways to embrace the spirit of the day. Watching a St. Patrick’s Day parade is a classic choice, with Dublin’s extravaganza being the ultimate experience, though Chicago’s green-dyed river might just steal the show for sheer spectacle. Music is essential—Irish folk tunes, played by fiddles, tin whistles, and bodhráns, create the perfect backdrop for an evening of revelry. A ceili dance is the best way to experience true Irish energy, even if it mostly involves spinning in circles and hoping you don’t collide with too many people.

Food should not be overlooked. Traditional Irish stew, colcannon (mashed potatoes with cabbage), boxty (potato pancakes), and soda bread are all solid choices. If you have a sweet tooth, a warm slice of apple cake with a dollop of cream is about as comforting as it gets. And of course, there’s the drink. Guinness is the obvious choice, but for those who fancy something different, Irish whiskey, Baileys, or even a well-made Irish coffee can do the trick. Just steer clear of anything neon green—real Irish drinks don’t glow in the dark.

St. Patrick’s Day is also a great excuse to learn a bit of Irish history and folklore. St. Patrick’s story is just the beginning—Irish mythology is full of warriors, fairies, and shape-shifting tricksters. Reading up on Cú Chulainn, the warrior with superhuman strength, or the mischievous púca, a creature known for causing chaos, is a good way to get into the spirit of the day. For those who prefer a more relaxed celebration, watching an Irish film, reading poetry by W.B. Yeats, or even attempting a few words in Gaelic (Sláinte! means “cheers,” which is arguably the most useful phrase of the day) all count as festive activities.

St. Patrick’s Day is a celebration of resilience, identity, and the ability to turn even the bleakest of histories into a reason for joy. It’s about embracing the Irish spirit, whether through music, dance, food, or simply sharing a laugh with friends. However you spend it, just remember the golden rule—on 17th March, everyone’s Irish, and the best way to celebrate is with a heart full of cheer and a pint (or two) in hand.