March is a wonderful time of year if you're Irish. Or if you have Irish roots. Or if you wish you had Irish roots. Or if you simply claim to be Irish even though you're not.
St. Patrick's Day, celebrated on Tuesday, March 17, 2020, has a way of drawing out the Irish streak in people all over the world.
And one of the best ways to mark it is with a parade: loud, green, shamrock-covered, music-filled parades.
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This year, some parades were canceled to slow the spread of the coronavirus, so before you head out, check the official parade sites and your local news.
Below are 14 of the best St. Patrick's Day parades in countries around the world, along with a short history of the saint himself and the holiday in general.
So Who Exactly Was St. Patrick?
Patrick was born in 385 A.D., when Ireland was still a pagan land. At 16, Patrick, a native of Britain, was carried off to Ireland as a slave. Six years later he escaped and became a priest.
Eventually he returned to the island and began converting the local people to Christianity. He is the patron saint of Ireland, and so people turn to him for protection over the island's spiritual and worldly affairs and everyone who lives there.
He died in 461 A.D.
How Is the Day Celebrated?
St. Patrick's Day is a national holiday in Ireland. That means banks, shops, and businesses close for the whole day. In this deeply Catholic country, the holiday carries a strong religious meaning.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2017 roughly 32.6 million U.S. residents claimed Irish ancestry. That's more than six times the population of Ireland itself (around 5 million). In the United States, it's more of a secular event and a party, and plenty of non-Catholics join in.
The first St. Patrick's Day celebration in the U.S. took place in Boston in 1737. And it has only grown ever since.
Enough backstory. Let's get to the parades! Click the link for each city to find out more:
Parades in the United States
Boston: Naturally, a city with such deep Irish roots throws a big parade. Up to a million people are expected to turn out for the march through South Boston. It kicks off at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 15. (All times in this roundup are local.)
Buffalo, New York: This often snow-covered city refuses to let the weather spoil the party. It has hosted a St. Patrick's Day parade since 1940. At 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 15. (A Mass will be held beforehand at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph's Cathedral.)
Chicago: Dyeing the Chicago River green isn't the only thing this city does to honor the day. This year's parade theme is "65 Years of Love, Loyalty, and Friendship." At noon on Saturday, March 14.
Dallas: Texas is famous for doing everything big, and the Dallas parade bills itself as the largest in the Southwest. It features more than 90 floats, and 2020 marks the parade's 41st anniversary. At 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 14.
Denver: Here at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, the Irish are not forgotten. The parade through downtown Denver is one of the biggest annual events in Colorado. At 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 14.
New Orleans: As if this city needed another excuse to throw a party! The Big Easy hosts a whole string of neighborhood parades rather than one giant one. Because that's just how NOLA does things. From Friday, March 13, through Sunday, March 22.
New York: America's largest city puts on a spectacular parade of school and military bands down Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. At 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 17.
Savannah, Georgia: The smallest city in this roundup punches well above its weight with one of the most memorable parades and celebrations in the country. At 10:15 a.m. on Tuesday, March 17.
Parades Around the World
Dublin: Sadly, the Irish capital will not be holding its parade this year in order to avoid spreading the coronavirus. The organizers' promised "whirlwind of dazzling color and mesmerizing choreography" will have to wait until next year. The Irish city of Cork has also canceled its parade. At noon on Tuesday, March 17.
London: You might be surprised to see London on this list given the historic Anglo-Irish friction, but this is a new century. Come watch the floats, marching bands, and sports clubs set off along Piccadilly and pass the Ritz, Piccadilly Circus, and Trafalgar Square. At noon on Sunday, March 15.
Montreal: Although this is primarily French territory, a distinct Irish thread runs through Montreal. And the city has quite a history to show for it: this will be the 197th St. Patrick's Day parade. At noon on Sunday, March 22.
Montserrat: Here's another place with surprising Irish connections. In the week leading up to St. Patrick's Day, this Caribbean island honors those who led an attempted slave uprising. The parade traditionally pays tribute to that spirit with lively drummers and dancing, along with a moment of silence. Tuesday, March 17, at noon.
Munich: What's a German city to do between Oktoberfests? Throw a parade in honor of the Irish! The parade's organizers say it's the third-biggest celebration in this city so well known for its festivities. At noon on Sunday, March 15.
Perth, Australia: Irish influence really does reach every corner of the globe, even far-off Australia. The post-parade festivities carry on into the early evening. At 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 14.
Be sure to check out the photo gallery above for a look at past parades in many of these cities. And don't despair if your parade didn't make the list. After all, the "best" St. Patrick's Day parade is the one you're actually at.
