On Saturday, March 15, 2025, the Chicago River was dyed green to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, continuing the beloved tradition popular across the United States. The 251 km-long river became awash with vibrant emerald hues, courtesy of the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local Union 130, which reportedly poured about 18 kilos of non-toxic dye across a 400-meter stretch of water.
St. Patrick's Day, observed annually on March 17, has evolved from its religious roots honoring Ireland's patron saint to becoming one of the most anticipated festivities, especially among American audiences. While it was once primarily celebrated by Irish immigrants, today the day is widely regarded as an occasion to revel and drink, enjoying parades and corresponding festivities.
Notably, the informal festivities leading up to St. Patrick's Day have been marked by significant political moments as well. During one such celebration at the White House, President Donald Trump criticized Ireland, alluding to their advantageous tax policies which attract American pharmaceutical firms. He stated, “Ireland has taken advantage of the United States,” highlighting the complicated relationship between the two nations.
Prime Minister of Ireland, Micheál Martin, offered a different view, emphasizing the mutually beneficial trade relationship between the countries, underscored by significant job creation and purchases of American goods, including Boeing aircraft. The day was filled with exchanges of goodwill, including Martin presenting Trump with a bowl of shamrocks, symbolic of the occasion.
Traditions vary across locations, with one of the highlights being the St. Patrick's Day Parade held annually in New York City. This historic event, the oldest of its kind in the world, dates back to March 17, 1762, leading the charge for such celebrations. It is well-known for being largely volunteer-driven, showcasing hundreds of thousands of participants and attracting millions of spectators from diverse backgrounds.
The parade itself is known to attract approximately 150,000 marchers and about two million viewers along the route, especially on Fifth Avenue, where the route runs from East 44th Street to East 79th Street, passing key landmarks like St. Patrick's Cathedral. The festival this year was set to begin at 11 AM sharp.
Historically significant, the 2002 celebration saw 300,000 attendees honoring the heroes of the September 11 attacks, marking it as the largest parade up to this date, with the televised audience estimated to be around three million people.
Originally recognized as Christian holiday by the Church of Ireland during the 17th century, St. Patrick's Day now resonates across different cultures and religions, adapting to form both solemn observance and festive celebration.
On the other hand, the dyeing of the Chicago River has become one of the city's most quintessential events, rooted in tradition since it first took place back in 1962, thanks to the inventive suggestion of local plumbers. The unique, environmentally friendly dye used today lasts just for hours, making the stunning color transformation both brief and exciting.
This treasured tradition has year-by-year gained attention from both locals and tourists alike, making it a hallmark of the celebratory experience surrounding St. Patrick's Day. The process of dyeing is kept closely guarded by the union, with secret ingredients ensuring its non-toxic nature toward aquatic life.
While Chicago prepares its waterways for splendid green, New York will channel its own spirit, both cities partaking in the massive celebrations and traditions established over generations. With weather patterns not dissuading events happening, both locations are ready to showcase their respect and joy for St. Patrick, displaying the embodiment of community spirit and cultural pride.
From the dyers on Saturday marking the Chicago River to the ambitious marchers moving their feet along the Fifth Avenue, the energy from each participant highlights not only the meaning rooted within each event but the broader aspirations of unity and celebration of heritage shared within America and beyond.
