Saint Patrick's Day is one celebration you can't help but join!
What began as a religious feast for the patron saint of Ireland is now a day filled with festivals, parades, and dancing all over the world. While you can celebrate from anywhere, some places celebrate with a greater intensity than others.
Let's explore St. Patrick's Day celebrations near military installations all around the world, including four of the top 10 best cities to live in or visit stateside!
Who knows? You might find a new-to-you celebration right in your own backyard!
Boston, Massachusetts
via Massachusetts Office of Tourism & Travel
If you're stationed at Coast Guard Base Boston, Hanscom AFB, Natick Soldier System Command, or are willing to make a trip, Boston is the place to be for Saint Patrick's Day, and here's why!
History
The Irish have had a large presence in Boston since colonial times and still continue to today. In fact, according to a survey, 20% of Boston’s population is Irish, so it’s no wonder Boston knows how to party for Saint Patrick’s Day!
Events
- St. Patrick's Day Parade
- St. Patrick’s Day Road Race
- Dropkick Murphys Concert at the House of Blues
- St. Paddy’s Pub Crawl
- Irish Film Festival
For more information on Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations in Boston, check out the Boston Discovery Guide!
New York City, New York
If you can plan a trip to New York this year for St. Patrick's Day or if you're assigned to Fort Hamilton, Mitchel Field or Coast Guard Station Fire Island, you can experience a five-hour long parade and numerous other fun festivities New York has to offer.
History
New York City is actually home to the very first U.S. Saint Patrick’s Day Parade! Due to a growth in Irish immigrants in 1762, the Irish found themselves free from oppression and began to openly celebrate their cultural identity and history.
Events
Savannah, Georgia
If you're stationed at Hunter Army Airfield or Fort Stewart, you live near one of the top 10 U.S. cities to celebrate St Patrick’s Day.
History
Savannah’s Irish history began back in the 1600’s when Irish immigrants arrived in Georgia and made their living trading, trapping, and soldiering. In the 1800’s, the immigrants faced a great deal of prejudice and were expected to work long hours for little pay. It wasn’t until 1870 when Irish immigrants began to publicly celebrate Saint Patrick. Since then, the celebrations have continued to grow and Savannah is now home to the nation's third largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Events
- St. Patrick's Day Parade
- Greening of the Fountain
- March of Dimes Shamrock Run
- Irish Heritage Dance
- Tara Feis Irish Celebration
For more St. Patrick's Day events to attend in Savannah, check out Welcome to Savannah.
Chicago, Illinois
If you're assigned to Coast Guard Chicago or Great Lakes Naval Air Station, you have a great St. Patrick's Day celebration right there in your backyard! This year, there are over a dozen events to attend from Friday, March 10 through Saturday, March 18.
History
Since Chicago was not settled until the 1800s, the Irish-Americans in this community didn't face the same anti-Irish bigotry that New York City, Boston, and Savannah did. Though they did face some challenges throughout the years, the Chicago Irish have formed a strong community and come together to celebrate their heritage every year.
Events
- Dyeing the Chicago River green
- St. Patrick’s Day Parade
- South Side Irish Parade
- Northwest Irish Parade
- Irish Festival
- Gaelic Storm
- Get ShamROCKED
For more information on St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Chicago, see St. Patrick’s Day Chicago 2017.
Hawaii
If you're one of the lucky ones stationed near Honolulu, Hawaii, you can join in the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations while overseas!
History
The Irish presence in Hawaii first dates back to 1849. Much like other states on the mainland, St. Patrick’s Day has turned into a big celebration each year.
Events
- 50th Annual Waikiki St. Patrick’s Day Parade
- 63rd Annual Emerald Ball
The United States was not the only country to receive Irish immigrants. If you're stationed overseas, you'll notice that many countries also celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.
Munich, Germany
by Martin Falbisoner (Own work), via Wikimedia Commons
If you're stationed at USAG Garmisch, Panzer Kaserne MCB, or USAG Stuttgart, you're located fairly close to Munich’s great St. Patrick’s Day celebrations!
Events
- Greening Day
- St. Patrick’s Day Parade
For more information on local events in Munich, see In Your Pocket and St. Patrick’s Day in Munich.
Seoul, South Korea
via Flickr user ~Mers
If you're living in South Korea, you can easily join the locals in celebrating St. Patrick’s Day this year.
Events
St. Patrick’s Day Hooley
For more information on celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in South Korea, visit the Irish Association of Korea.
Tokyo, Japan
If you're stationed at Camp Kinser, Yokota Air Base, Camp Zama, Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, or Camp Fuji, you live near some fantastic St. Patrick’s Day events!
Events
- The Emerald Ball
- The 25th Tokyo St. Patrick’s Day Parade
While these are just a few top-rated places to appreciate St. Patrick's Day, both stateside and overseas, the celebration continues everywhere. Research your local area to see what festivities are taking place in your neighborhood!
