Written by: Emily Joswiak • March 5, 2020• Holidays

Strange Places to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day will be here soon and that means shamrocks, green beer, leprechauns, and celebrations all over the country and world. St. Paddy’s is one of those holidays that everyone enjoys because it’s full of good feelings, lively music, and a sense of belonging. As the saying goes, “everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day.” There are obvious places to go for St. Patrick’s Day where you know you will have a fun and cool experience. Places like Boston, Chicago, and New York have wonderful parades and parties. Try going to one of these strange places to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year and make new memories—no matter what you do, if you celebrate the right way, you’re sure to have a great time.

Montserrat, Caribbean Sea

This tiny island nation in the Caribbean Sea is considered the other Emerald Isle. It is the only nation other than Ireland where St. Patrick’s is a national holiday. A small portion of the island residents are descended from Irish Catholic settlers. The day also marks the anniversary of a 1768 slave uprising on the island. While it failed, soon after the African slaves and Irish indentured servants were freed, and the descendants now celebrate the dual holiday together.

O’Neill, Nebraska

O’Neill is the Irish capital of Nebraska, and they make it known by painting the world’s largest shamrock at the intersection of Route 281 and Highway 20. The town is named for Irish immigrant and Civil War veteran John O’Neill, who was a proponent for Irish immigration.

Hot Springs, Arkansas

If you think that parades are too long, then go to Hot Springs. They have the world’s shortest St. Patrick’s Day parade—it simply goes across the 98ft. long Bridge Street. The day is always packed with quirky and odd-ball events to accompany the parade. One year they had the world’s shortest wedding ceremony and the world’s oldest leprechaun.

Brisbane, Australia

While this may not be well-known, there are actually many Irish-born citizens living in Australia. Brisbane has a more historically based celebration. They have “The Irish Historical Story” detailing how men, women, and children of all trades and professions were sent there to help build the nation. The parade has residents dressed up as teachers, widows, and orphans, sugarcane cutters, gold miners, and lawyers.

New London, Wisconsin

The festivities start when a mischievous group called the Shamrock Club dress as leprechauns and change all the street signs in town to New Dublin. The idea got started 20 years ago and is now an honored tradition. The parade draws around 30,000 revelers to the town of 7,000 every year. Bagpipes, carolers, and a staged Finnegan’s Wake highlight the parade—the party ends with Irish Fest.

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