GETTY
ST PATRICK’S DAY 2018: Cities around the world will celebrate everything Irish
Soon the streets will turn green when cities everywhere celebrate everything Irish.
Despite it being a public holiday in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland – it is celebrated by many nations across the world.
The day has grown to become a celebration of Irish culture – where drinking is usually involved.
When is St Patrick’s Day?
St Patrick’s Day falls on March 17 each year – and this year it just so happens to fall on a Saturday.
This will be good news for revellers who tend to drink copious pints of Guinness.
The world celebrates St Patrick's Day
St Patrick's Day fever hits the world.
PA There's no doubting the effort involved here
What is St Patrick’s Day?
The origin of St Patrick’s Day stems from the patron saint of Ireland – St Patrick.
He was a Christian missionary, the son of a deacon and the grandson of a priest – but was actually Scottish, not Irish.
The Saint is said to have spent many years in Ireland attempting to convert pecans to Christianity.
He died on March 17 in the fifth century – and the day was originally a feast in honour of him.
In modern times the day has grown into a worldwide celebration of Irish culture.
GETTY
ST PATRICK’S DAY 2018: Boston have a massive St Paddy’s parade
Where are the best places to celebrate?
1. Boston
Cities in the US often have a massive St Paddy’s Day celebration due to Irish heritage.
For example, in Boston around 20% of the population stem from Ireland.
The city has one of the largest St Patrick’s Day parades – in which a million people gather to celebrate the Irish spirit.
The major event is the annual St Patrick’s Day Parade held in South Boston.
You’ll see colourful floats, Irish and American bands, but there are also more things to do.
You can explore Boston’s Irish heritage along the Irish Heritage Trail, or check out the Irish Film Festival.
2. Dublin
It is no surprise that Dublin hosts one of the biggest St Patrick’s Day events in the world.
Ireland’s capital will be holding a St Patrick’s Day festival from March 15-19.
The aim of the festival is to “develop a major annual international festival around the national holiday over which the ‘owners’ of the festival, the Irish people, would stand proud.”
There will be art exhibitions, walks, light displays, concerts – and of course, the St Patrick’s Day Festival Parade.
Dublin city centre will shine in bright colours with magnificent creations and flamboyant performances.
GETTY
ST PATRICK’S DAY 2018: The Irish know how to celebrate in Dublin
3. London
Although not a public holiday in England, London will mark the special day with spectacular events.
The exciting activities will be held between March 16 and 18 – ending with a St Patrick’s Day Parade in central London on March 18.
The parade boasts flamboyant pageantry, elaborate floats and marching bands from across the UK.
There will also be a St Patrick’s Day Festival in Trafalgar Square on March 18 with performances from Irish acts and special guests.
Hot Irish girls
To celebrate St Patrick's Day, here are the sexiest babes to come from Ireland.
UTan/Rex/Matrix The hottest babes to come from Ireland
4. Glasgow
Glasgow calls itself a second home for the Irish – and they have a massive celebration in place.
The city is ramping up the efforts to make this years’ celebration fun for all.
There will be music sessions, workshops, film screenings, quiz nights and more.
Glasgow is striving to make the celebration into a family event with a Family Fun Day.
The Family Festival will take place in Merchant Square and will feature restaurants, bars, Irish music, dancing, face painting and balloon artists to make this a fabulous experience.
GETTY
ST PATRICK’S DAY 2018: Glasgow calls itself a second home for the Irish
5. Birmingham
Birmingham’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations are only beaten in size by Dublin and New York.
The city is also home to Britain’s only Irish Quarter – on Digbeth.
Birmingham’s St Paddy’s Day event usually includes a parade, music stage, street food and an Emerald Mile fun run.
This year the Festival will take place on Sunday, March 11 – which is also Mother’s Day.
The parade will start at noon and end at 2pm, and goes from Camp Hill to Digbeth.
6. Belfast
The capital of Northern Ireland will also be marking the day with a colourful parade, and also a concert full of X Factor favourites.
The theme for this year’s event will be Global Belfast – and will set off on Saturday, March 17.
The parade will start at 11.30 from Royal Avenue and finish at Writers Square.
After the parade there will be a free concert from 1.30pm featuring a range of exciting performances.
GETTY
ST PATRICK’S DAY 2018: New York has the oldest St Paddy’s Day parade
7. New York
New York boasts the world’s oldest and biggest St Paddy’s Day celebration.
The first parade was held on March 17, 1792 – and has since then been run entirely by volunteers.
The Parade is held annually at 11am and goes up Fifth Avenue, beginning at East 44th Street and ending at East 79th Street.
Each year around 150,000 people march the parade, and it is viewed by around two million people.
Related articles
[contf] [contfnew] 
daily star
[contfnewc] [contfnewc]
