I don’t care where you’re from: we are all Irish on St. Patrick’s day. We’re all familiar with the celebrations that occur around the United States but, what about those that occur beyond our shores? On March 17th, people all around the world gather together with their friends and family to celebrate our universal Irish Heritage with their own cultural spin. Let’s take a look at just a few of the St. Patrick’s Day festivals that take place annually across the world.
Moscow, Russia
(Photo Via RIA Novosti)
You would think that the extreme temperatures typical of Russia would stop the people from gathering together to celebrate the international holiday but nope! Since the country began celebrating St. Patrick’s in 1992, it has been gaining more popularity with every passing year. With everything from a carnival procession down Arbat Street to live music in concert halls and bars across the city, Russia and Irish cultures mix together for a day/night of free-spirited glee and merriment.
Montserrat
(Photo Via Neatorama)
Deep in the Caribbean, on the island of Montserrat, the spirit of St. Patrick’s is not forgotten. The connection between Montserrat and Ireland dates all the way back to the 17th century, when indentured Irish servants were welcomed onto the island after being shunned but all the other English-Controlled Caribbean territories. Mixing with the African slaves that inhabited the island, the two groups of people bonded together and created a relationship that the years have yet to erode. The celebrations go on for a week straight in Montserrat: costumes, music, food, church services, and lots of pints of Guinness fill the seven days. In addition to celebrating their Irish heritage, they also hold a special dinner on March 17th to commemorate a slave revolt that took place on that day back in 1768. The joy, fun, and culture make this the place to be on St. Patrick’s Day!
Buenos Aires, Argentina
(Photo Via Trip Trotting)
Every year, more than 500,000 people flood the streets of Buenos Aires to honor the Emerald Isle. Taking place in the evening, the festivities kick off with a procession of traditional Irish dancers, which is quickly followed by a splendid parade. The party continues with a festival that celebrates Celtic culture as well as musical performances from musicians from around the world. Body paint, glitter, and shamrocks litter the crowds as they sway back and forth to the rhythm of the day.
Tokyo, Japan
(Photo Via Japan Today)
All the way on the opposite of the globe, Japan has not forgotten about the small little island of Ireland just yet. Their parade is certainly unique, as it showcases a fusion of two very different cultures. Japanese dancers move to the music of tin whistles and people in anime-inspired costumes marched down the street to the beat of the bagpipes. Of course, there’s games, funny hats, and lots and lots of Guinness to keep everybody in good spirits. The mixing of the two diverse cultures makes for a dynamic celebration that I’m sure is worth witnessing.
Sydney, Australia
(Photo Via The Epoch Times)
There is a huge Irish population in Australia and they have not forgotten how to celebrate. The country has been celebrating St. Patrick’s day for over 200 years and each year has been as special and unique as the previous one. With a parade that boasts 70+ floats, a huge concert in Hyde Park, and an abundance of stalls selling everything from trinkets to traditional Irish snacks, the city pulls out all the stops when it comes to celebrating this excellent day.
Its awesome that this is celebrated in so many different places around the world. I’d love to be in Dublin one year for it but for now I settle for the parade in Sydney each year.