The patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick, drove the snakes out of the Emerald Isle, banishing all vestiges of sobriety from the rest of the Western World. Patrick spread the Christian faith in the British Isles, and now spreads good cheer on March 17...the day he died in 460 A.D. On this holiday, people change their heritage for a day and celebrate by consuming vast quantities of corned beef and cabbage, Guinness, Harp, and anything else they can get their hands on.

Parades will march through the streets of every major and minor city in the country. But what city boasts the best celebration? Three cities stand out above the rest for throwing a fantastic party: Chicago, Boston, and New York.

Chicago might have the most colorful celebration, as they dye the Chicago River a brilliant green. The city also hosts two major parades, the Downtown Parade and the South Side Parade. Both promise good Irish music, green beer, and a party in the streets. The city is littered with Irish pubs, so finding a Guinness won't be a problem.

They say, if you can't get to Ireland for St. Patrick's day, Boston is the next best thing. A town that holds the oldest celebration, dating back to 1737, also hosts one of the largest; 600,000 people are expected to attend the parade this year. Like Chicago, Boston dyes their river green as well. In a town where 16 percent of the population claims Irish heritage, you know it is going to be one hell of a party. Many Bostonians will be raising their first Guinness over breakfast and not finishing their last until early the next morning.

You can never count New York City out when it comes to throwing a party. While Boston has the oldest celebration, New York has the oldest and largest parade. 150,000 people march, but floats and automobiles are not allowed in the parade. The city is home to hundreds of Irish pubs, all of which will be blasting Irish tunes from morning till night. Bag pipes will echo in the subways and Guinness will flow like the East River (although Guinness is probably lighter in color than the sludge that flows through it).

Regardless of where you are, St. Patty's day is a great party. So throw on some green, grab a Guinness and a shot of Jameson, and toast to a culture that knows how to party.



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