Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at These Parades in 2016

Traditional music, Irish cheer and vibrant floats and costumes await at St. Patrick’s Day parades across the United States this year. The legacy of the patron saint of Ireland grew tremendously in the country after thousands of immigrants started coming to America from Ireland in the 1600s and is celebrated to this day with parades on the day of and weekends before and after March 17.

Check out the following popular events commemorating Saint Patrick and Ireland’s rich history and culture on the East Coast and join in the revelry to celebrate.

St. Patrick’s Day in New York City © Charley Lhasa | Flickr

Boston has hosted an annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade since 1737. The nation’s longest-running public parade takes place March 20 this year, starting at 1 p.m. at the Broadway Station, and promises more of the same colorful costumes, intricate floats and live music visitors attend the event for every year.

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York ranks as the largest parade in the world celebrating Irish faith, marching on the streets of the city since 1762. On March 17, everyone is Irish in the Big Apple. In accordance with tradition, the Archbishop of New York observes marchers from the steps of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral and the parade does not allow floats, automobiles and other commercial aspects.

Dyeing the Chicago River Green for St. Patrick’s Day © Matthew Smith | Flickr

Parade day in Chicago always kicks off on the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day with EPA-approved dye thrown into the downtown Chicago River to turn the water green for the day. This year, the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade commemorates the 100^th anniversary of the Easter Rising March 12.

The Irish in Philadelphia have been honoring the Apostle of Ireland with his own special day years before the United States became its own nation. The first documented St. Patrick’s Day Parade was held in 1771, marking more than 245 continuous years of celebrating. Held each year on the Sunday before St. Patrick’s Day, the event takes place this year on March 13 and expects to have approximately 20,000 participants, including more than 200 groups like marching bands, dance groups and Irish associations.

Savannah doesn’t skimp on celebrations, having hosted a St. Patrick’s Day Parade in its historic downtown area since 1813. Thousands of locals and visitors will celebrate this year with floats, live music, dancing and mild weather conditions March 17.