Days before spring officially announces itself each year, St. Paddy’s Day fills March with another kind of green. Whether acknowledging the religious Feast of St. Patrick, leprechauns or four-leaf clovers, the holiday marks an annual celebration of the Irish culture. Let’s explore some of the best places to celebrate the green holiday.

Chicago
While the Irish population has been partying in Chicago for decades, the city’s St. Paddy’s Day celebration continues to swell as the festivities are enjoyed by both the Irish and the Irish-at-heart. The Chicago River is dyed a beautiful, bright green while locals and tourists line the city streets for an extravagant parade. The festivities always take place on the Saturday before March 17 to assure every green beer lover can attend (and when the 17th falls on a Saturday, even better).

Dublin
As Ireland’s capital, Dublin’s appearance on our list should come as no surprise. However, many people are shocked to find out that Dublin didn’t begin its St. Paddy’s Day traditions until 1931. That doesn’t mean that they are just learning how to celebrate the holiday though. The Irish trade in the green beer for a Guinness during the four-day celebration.

New York City
The NYC Parade makes our list for not only its size but for its incredible history. The parade tradition started in 1762 (yes, when America was still colonies) and was comprised of a band of homesick Irish ex-patriots stationed in the colonies in New York. Now the world’s largest parade with about 200,000 marchers and millions of spectators, it has come a long way from its humble beginnings.

Savannah
Also a contender for one of the world’s largest parades, Savannah, Ga., knows how to celebrate March 17. River Street and City Market – the city’s two main hubs for the three-day party – feature live music, interactive artists, food and beverages. The parade, which stands out amongst other St. Paddy’s Day parades due to the promise of warmer weather, is the second largest in the U.S.

Boston
Boston boasts the highest Irish population in America so it’s no surprise that it makes our list. Home to some of the most authentic Irish pubs (The Blackthorn Pub and The Plough & Stars) according to USA Today, the city is steeped it Irish culture. Its parade attracts more than a million spectators each year. If parades aren’t for you, there are many other activities to enjoy, including a six-day concert series.

Will you be raising a pint on St. Paddy’s Day this year? Share your pictures with us and other Fast Park fans on our Facebook page!