St Patrick’s Day has been celebrated this week in honour of the foremost patron saint of Ireland. St Patrick’s Day has been officially observed by religions since the 17th century, commemorating Saint Patrick and the arrival of Christianity to Ireland. Outside of Ireland, the United States is particularly known for its celebrations owing the large amount of Irish expats who migrated to America. Chicago takes its St Patrick’s Day festivities seriously, with the Chicago River turning green every year. The tradition of colouring the river into a brilliant emerald green hue started back in 1962. It is coloured for the Saturday of a Saint Patrick’s parade, lasting only for few hours at peak intensity. New York also hosts a Saint Patrick’s parade, which draws up to two million spectators. Dublin’s annual celebration includes a four-day festival, including a street parade, and attracts up to 500,000 visitors.
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