If you’re in Chicago during St. Patrick’s day, watch the river turning green because of green vegetable dye (which lasts for several hours). The dyeing of the river takes place around 10:45 in the morning, and you can witness this event by standing at Columbus Bridge or at Michigan Avenue, or in alternative streets like Dearborn, State, and LaSalle which also offer good views of the green Chicago River.
Chicago also hosts a St. Patrick’s Day parade that has been going on every year since 1843. As part of the city’s Irish cultural background, the parade happens to be one of the biggest happening yearly and starts in Columbus Drive and Balbo Avenue, then goes towards Monroe. The parade is festive; enjoy marching bands, colorful floats, and bagpipers.
After the parade, you can head over to some of the bars and restaurants in Chicago where you can continue your celebration with Irish cocktails, a serving or more of Guinness, corned beef, and other Irish food. Chicago is home to several Irish pubs and restaurants serving authentic Irish food and drinks that you can enjoy not just on St. Patrick’s Day but on any other occasion throughout the year as well. If you want to enjoy Irish specialties immediately after the parade, you can visit establishments near the parade grounds, such as the English Bar and Restaurant in La Salle Boulevard, which will serve specials on bottled beer and draft for the entire day.
St. Patrick’s Day is a yearly event celebrating the feast of Saint Patrick, one of Ireland’s most important religious figures. The celebration traditionally takes place on March 17, considered a national holiday in Ireland. St. Patrick’s Day is widely celebrated even in other countries like New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and in the United States.
Chicago’s version of St. Patrick’s Day is fun and energetic; the holiday is celebrated even by the non-Irish. One final reminder: Be sure you are wearing green.
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