10 Crazy St. Patrick’s Day Traditions from Around the World
It seems like the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations get bigger and bigger every year. Between the costumes, the huge parades and everything in between, it’s *definitely* the perfect excuse to get your party on. But these celebrations aren’t just going on in the US. The whole world is in on this gig, and the traditions keep getting crazier. Think: teeny tiny parades, dogs in costumes and giant buildings all lit up in green. Scroll through to check out where the wackiest St. Patrick’s Day traditions are happening.
1. Chicago River: Every year, Chicago dumps lots of eco-friendly vegetable dye into their river to color it green for the holiday. You can hop on a boat to enjoy all the green, or you can walk along the river with hundreds of other wannabe leprechauns. Either way, it will be a St. Patrick’s day you won’t soon forget. (Photo via Scott Olson/Getty)
2. San Antonio River Walk: San Antonio is also known for dyeing their river green, but they kick it up a notch. Instead of taking to the streets, the peeps of Texas gather around the River Walk and watch an epic parade float along the water. *Books flight to Texas* (via River Walk)
3. World’s Largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade, NYC: Leave it to NYC to have the largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the world — yep, even bigger than Ireland. In true New York fashion, it lasts about six hours and marches up Fifth Avenue. You’ll see dancers, Irishmen and bagpipers galore. (Photo via Graham Morrison/Getty)
4. Shortest Parade in Arkansas: The world’s largest parade is cool and all, but Hot Springs, Arkansas decided that pint-sized parades are where it’s at. Yep, Arkansas is home of the shortest celebration, clocking in at just 98 feet. This leaves plenty of time to party and a short distance to pub crawl it up. (via World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade)
5. Ri Ra Portland Plunge: Looking to jump in some really cold water on St. Patrick’s Day? Head to Portland, Maine to plunge into the deep blue sea and benefit the Children’s Burn Foundation while you’re at it. After the plunge, they offer a free breakfast buffet and beer. (Photo via William Thomas Cain/Getty)
6. Four-Day Festival in Dublin: Of course Ireland knows how to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day! Their Dublin parade lasts not one, not two, but FOUR full days. The festivities include huge floats, gorgeous costumes and plenty of beer drinking. (via St. Patrick’s Festival)
7. Sydney Opera House: While Australia doesn’t dye their water green, they do light up the Opera House in Sydney. This architectural showstopper is definitely worth gawking at and celebrating all night long. (Photo via Brendon Thorne/Getty)
8. Dog Parade in Tokyo: Parades with floats are so #basic. Tokyo gives their parade an extra cute addition by marching with pups. Watching dogs march down the street in adorable St. Patrick’s Day costumes? Sounds ruff. (Photo via Yoshikazu Tsuno/Getty)
9. Selfridge’s in Birmingham: At Selfridge’s in Birmingham, UK, the celebrating doesn’t stop at fun t-shirts and costumes. Instead, they amp up the festivity by lighting their store in a bright green hue. This would make for some epic photos with your decked-out-in-green getup. (Photo via Elliot Brown/Flickr Creative Commons)
10. Costume Contest in Buenos Aires: Any holiday that gives you an excuse to DIY a costume is the best kind of holiday. In Buenos Aires, they hold a fairy and leprechaun costume contest each year. Do you think the winner gets free beer for life? Wishful thinking… (Photo via Stuart C. Wilson/Getty)
How are you celebrating St. Patrick’s Day this year? Follow us on Pinterest for *all* the St. Patrick’s Day party inspo.
