St. Patrick's Day
The feast day of Ireland's patron saint, celebrated worldwide in green.
About
St. Patrick's Day on March 17 is a cultural and religious holiday marking the death of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, in the 5th century CE. Originally a day of religious observance, it has evolved into a celebration of Irish culture and heritage. Millions wear green, attend parades, and gather for traditional music. The day is now celebrated on every continent, making Ireland's cultural footprint one of the widest of any small nation.
History
Saint Patrick brought Christianity to Ireland in the 5th century and is credited with using the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity. The feast day was made an official Christian feast in the early 17th century. Irish immigrants carried the celebration to America and beyond, where it grew into the large-scale secular celebration it is today. Chicago famously dyes its river green each year.
Where It's Observed
Cultural Context
US United States
America's 32 million people of Irish descent make St. Patrick's Day a major national celebration. New York City hosts one of the world's oldest and largest parades. Green beer, shamrock shakes, and pub gatherings define the day for many Americans regardless of Irish heritage.
KR South Korea
St. Patrick's Day is observed mainly by the expatriate community and Irish-themed pubs in Seoul and other cities. K-pop fan artists sometimes create green-themed content, and the day has grown in awareness through global media and Ireland's soft-power cultural exports.
JP Japan
Japan marks St. Patrick's Day with parades in Tokyo's Omotesando district, organized by the Irish Network Japan. Irish pubs across Japan serve Guinness, and Japanese fans of Irish music and culture participate enthusiastically, blending two island nations' cultural traditions.
How to Participate
- 01Wear green and attend a local St. Patrick's Day parade
- 02Cook a traditional Irish dish — colcannon, soda bread, or Irish stew
- 03Listen to traditional Irish folk music or attend a live session
- 04Learn about Irish history and the cultural legacy of Irish emigration
Frequently asked questions
When is St. Patrick's Day?+
St. Patrick's Day is observed annually on March 17. The date is fixed each year — March 17 — and does not shift based on the lunar calendar or weekday.
What is St. Patrick's Day?+
St. Patrick's Day on March 17 is a cultural and religious holiday marking the death of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, in the 5th century CE. Originally a day of religious observance, it has evolved into a celebration of Irish culture and heritage. Millions wear green, attend parades, an…
Is St. Patrick's Day a public holiday?+
St. Patrick's Day is an international observance or awareness day, not a public holiday in most countries. It does not typically result in days off work or school closures, though some countries and organisations hold official events.
How can I participate in St. Patrick's Day?+
Wear green and attend a local St. Patrick's Day parade Cook a traditional Irish dish — colcannon, soda bread, or Irish stew Listen to traditional Irish folk music or attend a live session These are some of the most accessible ways to engage with the day's purpose.
Which countries observe St. Patrick's Day?+
Ireland, United States, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, Argentina.
Mark the date
Download a free printable calendar for 2027 and never miss St. Patrick's Day.