12 Spectacular St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations Around the World

By Jaclyn Anglis Updated: March 15, 2019

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St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are always a joy to see on the holiday. Whether you were born Irish or you consider yourself “Irish at heart,” there’s nothing quite like getting into the spirit of the holiday — and folks all around the world agree.

While some of the most famous St. Patrick’s Day celebrations obviously take place in Ireland, there are plenty of other countries that make a point to mark the occasion. From St. Patrick’s Day parades to green illuminations of world-famous landmarks, there are a multitude of ways to celebrate Irish culture and create new traditions as time goes on. Some American cities, such as Chicago, quite literally paint the town green by dyeing a river the glorious color. No matter how your town or city celebrates the holiday, it’s worth taking a moment to appreciate the creativity that comes from revelers all over the world.

Scroll down to see some of the most incredible St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, then click on the circular buttons below your favorite image to share it instantly with friends and family on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest!

St Patricks Day Dublin

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Dublin, Ireland

It's nearly impossible to talk about St. Patrick's Day celebration without acknowledging the legendary festivities in the capital city of Ireland. While more than 100 parades are held throughout the country, hundreds of thousands of people reportedly attend the parade in Dublin.
St Patricks Day Chicago

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Chicago, USA

The Windy City has upheld a tradition of "greening" the Chicago River for St. Patrick's Day since 1962. According to The Chicago Tribune, the exact formula for turning the river green remains top-secret.
St Patricks Day Tokyo

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Tokyo, Japan

The St. Patrick's Day parade in Tokyo is a relatively recent — yet super popular – tradition, first beginning in 1992. Held after the "I Love Ireland" festival in Yoyogi Park, it's quite spectacular to behold.
St Patricks Day Belfast

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Belfast, Ireland

Dublin is far from the only city in Ireland that makes St. Patrick's Day a special day. Belfast, a city in northern Ireland, also boasts an impressive parade — with pretty darn incredible costumes, if we do say so ourselves.
St Patricks Day Moscow

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Moscow, Russia

The capital city of Russia commemorates St. Patrick's Day with an an Irish-inspired carnival held in Sokolniki Park. Just take a look at those eye-popping costumes!
St Patricks Nyc

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New York City, USA

Believe it or not, the world's first St. Patrick's Day Parade was held in New York City in 1762. This year marks the 258th year that this beloved tradition will take place.
St Patricks Day Australia

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Sydney, Australia

Along with impressive parades, some cities also celebrate the holiday by illuminating major landmarks and building with a striking green glow. Doesn't the Sydney Opera House just look majestic lit up like this?
St Patricks Day Singapore

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Singapore

Singapore's Irish community is known for putting together quite a fabulous festival and parade, full of costumes, street performances, and Irish food and beverages.
St Patricks Day Boston

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Boston, USA

According to the United States Census Bureau, a whopping 21.1 percent of the Boston metropolitan area population claimed Irish ancestry — the highest percentage among the 50 most populous metro areas in 2015. So obviously, the Boston St. Patrick's Day parade is not to be missed.
St Patricks Day Argentina

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Buenos Aires, Argentina

St. Patrick's Day in Argentina has been described by South American travel sites as "a hidden pot of gold." While the main attraction is the parade, there are plenty of other ways to celebrate the occasion, including dinners, music and dance performances, and street parties.
St Patricks Day Canada

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Toronto, Canada

This eye-catching dragon team is just one of many highlights of the St. Patrick's Day parade in Toronto. Thousands gather every year in the capital city of Ontario to see the creative and unique floats and celebrations.
St Patricks Day England

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London, United Kingdom

Many folks in London get royally excited for the St. Patrick's Day celebrations, and it's not just due to the country's large Irish population. British royals like Prince William and Kate Middleton — pictured here with the Battalion Irish Guards — are known to publicly commemorate the occasion.