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What Countries Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? Traditions & parades
Find out which countries celebrate St. Patrick’s Day worldwide, from the U.S. to Japan, and how they honor Irish heritage on March 17.
St. Patrick’s Day holiday started in Ireland, but today many countries celebrate it all around the world. Cities from New York to Tokyo host parades, light landmarks in green, and embrace Irish culture, whether through religion, tourism, or tradition.
In this guide, you’ll find out what countries celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, how they do it, and where to expect the biggest events in 2026.
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St. Patrick’s Day 2026 celebration
St. Patrick’s Day 2026 is on Tuesday, March 17th, making it a key date in the spring travel calendar.
Countries with strong Irish ties or cultural tourism celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with parades and landmark light-ups.
Here are some of the biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the world in 2026:
- Dublin, Ireland: Four-day St. Patrick’s Festival with live music, street acts, and the main parade.
- New York City, USA: The World’s largest St. Patrick’s Day parade on Fifth Avenue.
- Chicago, USA: Iconic green-dyed river and downtown celebrations.
- Boston, USA: Irish-American heritage parade with huge local turnout.
- London, UK: Trafalgar Square Irish Festival with food, music, and family events.
- Sydney, Australia: Irish community parades and waterfront concerts.
- Tokyo, Japan: Omotesando parade blending Irish and Japanese culture.
March is a busy time for travel. So if you’re planning to join the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, do your research and plan ahead to make the most out of your trip.
St. Patrick’s Day spiritual meaning
St. Patrick’s Day spiritual meaning comes from a religious holiday in Ireland, honoring Saint Patrick, the missionary who helped bring Christianity to the island in the 5th century.
The shamrock is one of the most recognized St. Patrick’s Day symbols, rooted in the tradition that St. Patrick used it to explain the Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. That’s why the three-leaf clover remains a lasting symbol of Irish identity today.
Today, St. Patrick’s Day blends spiritual meaning with cultural pride. In some places, it’s still observed as a religious day. In others, it’s a public celebration of Irish heritage, often featuring parades, music, and green-themed events.
What countries celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and what do they do?
You can celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in dozens of countries, including Ireland, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, and even parts of South America and Africa.
Here we listed what countries celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and shared tips if you’re planning to join in the party.
Europe
St. Patrick’s Day in Europe mixes religious tradition with public celebrations. Here are the most famous Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations in Europe:
Ireland
St. Patrick’s Day is one of the best times to visit Ireland, with church services, live music, and city‑wide parades taking place across the country. In Dublin, thousands of visitors travel each year for the four‑day St. Patrick’s Festival.
To make the most of your St. Patrick’s Day trip to Ireland, book your flights and hotels early. With an eSIM for Ireland, you can stay online from the moment you land with no extra charges or SIM swaps needed.
The United Kingdom
St. Patrick’s Day isn’t a public holiday in the UK, but that doesn’t stop the celebrations. In London, the Trafalgar Square festival is one of the biggest outside Ireland, with a lively parade, music, and plenty of street food.
If you’re visiting the city in March, check a London travel guide to see which iconic structure turns green to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day, and don’t miss your chance to snap a selfie. You can then get an eSIM for the United Kingdom to share your trip in real time with unlimited data.
Italy
You can celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Italy in cities like Rome and Milan, especially in Irish pubs and tourist areas. Famous landmarks, like the Tower of Pisa and the Colosseum, even join the Global Greening campaign by lighting up in green.
If you’re planning a spring trip, an Italy travel guide and an eSIM for Italy are two essentials for a stress‑free, well‑planned adventure.
North America
The most famous Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations are in North America, especially in cities with large Irish populations.
The United States
St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the United States are bigger than in Ireland. For instance, one of the most iconic things to do in New York on March 17th is to attend the world’s largest parade along Fifth Avenue. According to New York travel guides, it’s a must-see event you can’t miss if you’re visiting the city in March.
Other cities in the US like Chicago and Boston celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with green-dyed monuments and river, concerts, food festivals, and community events.
They say if you don’t wear green on St. Patrick’s Day you might get pinched, so dress the part, and don’t forget to pack smart. An eSIM for the USA gets you connected instantly to find events, post photos, and keep your trip stress-free.
Canada
Canada also celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with large parades in cities like Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver. In Newfoundland and Labrador, it’s even a public holiday.
Whether you’re joining a local event or touring the city, you might want to check a Canada travel guide to better plan your trip.
An eSIM for Canada could also be helpful to check parade routes and find nearby pubs without worrying about unexpected roaming charges.
Asia
Several countries celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Asia, proving the holiday’s reach goes far beyond Ireland’s shores.
Japan
St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are growing in Japan, especially in Tokyo. The Tokyo Tower turns green, while the Omotesando parade and the “I Love Ireland” Festival in Yoyogi Park bring Irish music, food, and culture to life.
March also marks the start of cherry blossom season. It’s the best time to visit Japan and combine the festivities with some spring sightseeing.
Use a Japan travel guide to map out your trip, and count on a travel eSIM for reliable data as you explore.
China
You might not expect it, but in 2026 St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in China are very much alive.
Cities like Beijing and Shanghai host Irish pub parties, parades, and community events, usually organized by local expats and the Irish Embassy in the afternoon.
One of the St. Patrick’s Day celebration highlights in China is the Great Wall of China glowing green. If you’re planning a trip to China in March, having an eSIM for China can make your visit much easier. You’ll be able to access maps, use translation apps, stay in touch on familiar platforms, and avoid the hassle of local SIM cards.
Oceania
When looking at how countries celebrate St. Patrick’s Day around the world, Australia and New Zealand bring their own lively twist to the tradition. While March 17th is not a public holiday, both countries host community parades, Irish pub nights, and cultural festivals rooted in their strong Irish heritage.
Australia
St. Paddy’s Day in Australia may not be a public holiday, but it’s still one of the most spirited celebrations of the season. Cities like Melbourne and Sydney come alive with Irish music, themed menus, and streets full of people in green.
In Melbourne, the celebration spills out into riverside bars and well-known city venues. Expect live bands, Irish dancing, and special events that run from morning until late.
Over in Sydney, the festivities stretch from traditional pubs to rooftop gatherings and even boat cruises with views of the harbor, making it one of the most scenic places to raise a glass on March 17th.
New Zealand
St. Patrick’s Day in New Zealand has a more local feel, but the energy is just as strong. In cities like Auckland and Wellington, Irish pubs fill up fast, buildings glow green, and themed nights bring out the best of the community spirit.
From live music to family-friendly gatherings, it’s a day that blends Irish tradition with Kiwi hospitality.
To keep things simple while travelling, an international eSIM for Oceania lets you look up events, find your way around, and stay connected without the usual roaming stress.
Other countries
Thanks to global Irish communities and the growing appeal of cultural festivals, many countries celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in their own unique ways.
Here are a few other countries that celebrate March 17th in 2026:
- Argentina: In Buenos Aires, a strong Irish-Argentine population brings the streets to life with music, dancing, and one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Latin America.
- South Africa: Cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg host Irish-themed events, pub gatherings, and live entertainment supported by expat communities.
- Singapore: The city embraces St. Patrick’s Day with lively parades, green-lit landmarks, and events that cater to both families and nightlife seekers.
- United Arab Emirates: Irish expats in Dubai and Abu Dhabi celebrate with concerts, themed brunches, and St. Patrick’s Day parties across popular venues.
- Germany: Berlin and Munich mark the day with cultural showcases, music, and city landmarks illuminated in green.
Whether it’s through parades, pub nights, or cultural events, St. Patrick’s Day continues to grow worldwide, a reminder of how far Irish influence and celebration have spread.
Why do non-Irish people celebrate St. Patrick’s Day?
St. Patrick’s Day has grown into a widely celebrated, non-religious event that highlights Irish culture and community around the world. Whether or not you have Irish roots, it’s become a day to enjoy music, dancing, food, and the lively energy of parades and festivals.
Similar to how people everywhere take part in Halloween parties or Lunar New Year celebrations, the spirit of the day is what draws people in. The mix of fun traditions and the welcoming nature of the festivities have made it easy for St. Patrick’s Day to feel like a shared experience, no matter where you’re from.
Stay connected while celebrating St. Patrick’s Day
Travelling for St. Patrick’s Day should be fun, not stressful. Holafly’s travel eSIM offers instant setup with no physical SIM card required, so you’re ready to connect as soon as you land.
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Keep your trip smooth with easy data access wherever St. Patrick’s Day takes you.
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Plans that may interest you
Formerly a travel journalist turned marketing copywriter, I found my way back to the travel world with Holafly—my dream company that made remote work possible. My motto? “Dream big and make it happen.” I’m passionate about writing, exploring the world, and staying active through walking, running, swimming, and hiking. I also love learning, reflecting, and connecting with inspiring minds.
