St. Patrick’s Day- Tradition and Celebration

St. Patrick’s Day has been celebrated since the early 17th century. The day brings parties, parades, and celebrations to many people around the world. The holiday commemorates the day that Saint Patrick, who lived his life as a missionary and bishop, died. After his death, he became known as the patron saint and national apostle of Ireland. This holiday brings many traditional religious celebrations, as well as very common secular ones.

CELEBRATIONS

Possibly the most well-known tradition is the dyeing of the Chicago River. The river has been dyed green every year for 64 years. This year, it will be dyed on Sunday, March 14th at around 10am. No need to worry though, because the dye used is organic, so it will not disrupt the aquatic life in the river! The St. Patrick’s Day parade hosted by the city of Chicago is also one of the most renowned traditions. This parade has been annually celebrated since 1956, and it hosts a wide array of marching bands, floats, and more. The parade takes place right before they dye the river, so if you are planning on going, stick around to see it!

Chicago River dyed green (Choose Chicago)

A little closer to home, Busch Gardens Williamsburg has Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations from the 12th to the 15th. In Norfolk, you can attend the 59th annual Saint Patrick’s Day parade, along with the bazaar on March 14th. Additionally, in Hampton you can attend the St. Patrick’s Day party at the Northampton community center, hosting live music, karaoke and a free dinner.

TRADITIONS

Believe it or not, the original symbolic color of St. Patrick’s Day was not green; it was actually blue! Blue was wildly known as the “old color of Ireland,” symbolizing the commemorations of Saint Patrick after his death and often being used in Catholic ceremonies. However, this changed in the late 19th century when Irish nationalist groups wore the color green to represent their country, and it has stuck ever since. In 1922, the modern flag of Ireland was introduced as the official flag. This flag included three colors: green representing the Catholic faith, orange representing the protestants, and white representing peace.

Around march, with the influx of green products and shamrock print, you may have seen imagery of a short man dressed in green often accompanied by a pot of gold. These are called leprechauns and are a widely known fairy in Irish folklore. These leprechauns are known for stealing and being all-around mischievous.

Saint Patrick’s Day badges are a traditional craft dating back to the early 16th century. These badges can be made of either colored paper, or fabric. The paper or fabric can be cut into circles with small stripes, resembling the spokes of a wheel. The badge is then adorned with smaller circles on the outside edge and a large one in the middle. The badges represent Saint Patrick’s life and legacy. This is a simple craft that makes a great gift, or even a decoration around the house.

Saint Patrick’s Day badges (National Museum of Ireland)

Saint Patrick’s Day brings a time of celebration in unique ways and has been keeping Irish tradition alive for centuries. The blending of new and old customs brings a fresh outlook on the holiday as a whole. Exploring these ways of celebration may be worth a try to gain a new view on this holiday and its backstory.

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day and may the luck of the Irish be with you!

SOURCES

Discover St Patricks Day Events & Activities in Williamsburg, VA | Eventbrite

9 Surprising Facts About St. Patrick’s Day | HISTORY

St. Patrick’s Day | Georgia Public Broadcasting

Norfolk Saint Patrick’s Day Parade

Ocean View St. Patrick’s Day Parade | City of Norfolk, Virginia – Official Website

St Patrick’s Day | Ireland.com

St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago 2026 | Parades & River Dyeing

St. Patrick’s Day | National Geographic Kids

St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago 2026 | Parades & River Dyeing

Why the color of St. Patrick’s Day changed from blue to green | PBS News