A diaspora St Patrick’s Day
Can’t make it home this year for the big day?
Lucky for you, St Patrick's Day is officially celebrated in more countries than any other national holiday.
That’s thanks to the power of our diaspora (that’s you!) who’ve brought our traditions with them across the globe.
Which means wherever you find yourself on March 17th, there’s a decent chance there’ll be a celebration nearby to catch that Paddy’s Day feeling.
So, let’s have a peek at what other corners of the world get up to in honour of St Patrick.
Auckland, New Zealand
They say the world turns green on St Patrick’s Day.
But thanks to the annual Global Greening Initiative, it literally does.
Every year, more than 400 landmarks in over 50 countries light up emerald to honour the big man.
Auckland gets a special mention as one of the first to flick the switch, with landmarks around the world following suit.
The Empire State Building, Niagara Falls, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Sydney Opera House and the London Eye also all don green for the day.
Not a bad way to kick off the celebrations.
Chicago, USA
When it comes to turning green, nowhere does it like Chicago.
In honour of the Irish immigrants who settled in the city, the Chicago River is dyed green every year.
It started back in 1962 and has been a Paddy’s Day tradition ever since.
Not to worry, the dye is non-toxic and vegetable-based, so it doesn’t harm the ecosystem.
Think we could start a petition to get them to do the same in the Lagan?
Sydney, Australia
While sometimes it feels like everyone and their dog are emigrating to the land down under, the upside is they throw a class St Patrick’s Day festival.
At Sydney’s ‘The Rocks’, you’ll find live music, Irish jigs, plenty of pints, an outdoor cinema, Irish breakfasts and even spice bags.
The best craic though is the County Colours fundraiser, where you can donate in the name of your home county, and the county that raises the most gets bragging rights for the year.
A bit of friendly county rivalry never goes amiss, even halfway across the world.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires has one of the largest populations of Irish people outside of Ireland, so it’s no surprise the city leans into the celebrations.
And celebrate they do!
Head to the Retiro area where you’ll find some of the country’s oldest Irish pubs.
The best known is the Kilkenny, one of the pubs in the Guinness Original Irish Pub Concept.
Back in 2001, it reportedly drew 60,000 revellers to their doorstep for some St Paddy’s Day merriment.
Yep, 60,000… for one pub.
While the only report of this is from this publication written in Spanish… we’re choosing to believe it.
Montserrat, Caribbean
Do ‘tropical island’ and ‘St Patrick’s Day’ even belong in the same sentence?
In Montserrat they do!
Called “The Emerald Isle of the Caribbean,” this island has deep Irish roots dating back to 1632.
And today it’s the only place outside of Ireland where St Patrick’s Day is a national holiday.
Their celebrations stretch across a ten-day festival packed with parades, music, food and plenty of nods to their Irish heritage.
Tokyo, Japan
Home to the oldest and largest St Patrick’s Day parade in Asia, this one’s a sight to behold.
Crowds line the streets dressed head-to-toe in green, giant Guinness balloons float overhead and marching bands march their way through the city.
There’s even an annual Emerald Ball celebrating Irish culture and hospitality.
And if you find yourself in this part of the world on March 17th, you can even track down a bowl of Irish stew and the city’s only Irish-owned pub to rest your weary feet.
Proof that Paddy’s Day travels well!
So there you go, spending St Patrick’s Day on the home turf isn’t the only way to celebrate.
Wherever the wind takes you, we’re sure there’ll be an Irish pub ready to welcome you with a pint of Guinness (or two).
Is there anywhere we’ve missed? What will you be doing this year to celebrate St Patrick’s Day? ☘️
