The Irish Charm: How Other Countries Celebrate Ireland’s Favourite Day

Every year on March 17th, people across the globe dig out their best green outfits, raise a pint of Guinness, and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. We asked our leisure team about some of the best St. Patrick’s Day celebrations around the world, and you’d be surprised how many countries celebrate this day and honour the Irish! From grand parades to lively festivals, St. Patrick’s Day has become a truly global event, bringing people together to embrace Irish culture, music, and traditions.

Here’s a look at how different countries keep the spirit of St. Patrick alive.

United States – Parades, Pints & Green Rivers

The US is home to some of the largest and most extravagant St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Cities like New York, Boston, and Chicago have deep Irish roots, and they go all out on March 17th. New York’s parade is the oldest and largest in the world, dating back to 1762, while Chicago famously dyes its river bright green, drawing thousands of spectators. Meanwhile, in Boston, home to one of the biggest Irish-American populations, the festivities include concerts, street parties, and plenty of Irish banter.

Australia – Festivals & Family Fun

Australia’s strong Irish heritage means St. Patrick’s Day is widely celebrated, especially in cities like Sydney and Melbourne. The Sydney Opera House is often illuminated in green, and family-friendly festivals feature traditional Irish music, dancing, and food. Pubs across the country serve up Irish stout and whiskey, ensuring there’s plenty of craic to go around!

Canada – A Proud Irish Connection

Canada has a long-standing Irish connection, and cities like Montreal and Toronto put on spectacular celebrations. Montreal’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the longest-running in North America, dating back over 200 years. The festivities in Toronto include live performances, cultural events, and plenty of Irish hospitality. Newfoundland, with its strong Irish ancestry, takes celebrations even further, with music, dancing, and traditional storytelling.

Argentina – A Night of Irish Festivities

In Buenos Aires, St. Patrick’s Day is a lively event, with one of the biggest street parties in South America. While Argentina may not seem like an obvious place for Irish celebrations, the country has a significant Irish community. The streets of Buenos Aires come alive with parades, traditional music, and plenty of Guinness to go around!

Japan – A Unique Irish Twist

Tokyo hosts an annual St. Patrick’s Day parade that draws thousands of spectators. The event is organised by the Irish Network Japan and features a mix of Irish traditions with a Japanese twist. From Irish dancing to marching bands, the celebrations highlight the global reach of Ireland’s culture.

The Irish Charm That Unites the World

So, why does St. Patrick’s Day resonate so strongly worldwide? It’s more than just the parades and the pints of Guinness, it’s the Irish charm. The warmth, hospitality, and sense of community that define Ireland are infectious, bringing people together in celebration, no matter where they are. Whether you have Irish ancestry or just love the spirit of the day, St. Patrick’s Day is a time to embrace joy, laughter, and a shared appreciation for Irish culture.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with FROSCH Ireland

No matter where you are in the world, St. Patrick’s Day is a reminder of the magic of Ireland. Where’s the best place you’ve celebrated St. Patrick’s Day?