St. Patrick’s Day is a very well known holiday celebrated by many different countries in many different ways. In most countries, like the U.S., parts of Canada, Austria, and Dubai, St. Patrick’s Day is seen as a party holiday. On March 17 and, in some parts of Canada March 14, the day is filled with parades, eating Irish food, and drinking, while In Ireland, the day also includes going to church in the morning and celebrating the life and death of fallen soldiers. The only things open on March 17 in Ireland are bars and some restaurants. Like the U.S. and other countries, Ireland throws a huge parade . . . not as big as the Chicago parade but still huge. St. Patrick’s Day has become the biggest tourist attraction in Ireland. Yes, Ireland does go above and beyond for St. Patrick’s Day when it comes to the decorations, planned parties, and even a signature green beer. Even though St. Patrick’s Day originated in Ireland, the U.S. and other countries have taken over and ignore the religious aspects of the holiday.

Chicago was one of the first places Irish immigrants came to. To people in Chicago, March is known as “St. Patrick's Day” and nothing else happens during the month. Our city has one of the biggest parades in the country and even dyes the river bright green every year. St. Patrick’s Day is the one day a year everyone, no matter their age, race, or gender, comes together as one. They celebrate with eating “Irish food” and drinking until the end of the night. St. Patrick’s Day is a day of fun and celebration that nobody wants to miss!