Dublin
To mark the anniversary of their patron’s death, all of Ireland proudly celebrates with traditional music, dance, costumes, drinks and shows. Dublin becomes the epicenter of the party.
The National St. Patrick’s Day Parade will return to the Irish capital this Friday. You can see the complete route on the official website. As the page also indicates, the event will have accessible observation areas for wheelchair users (on Westmoreland Street and next to St. Patrick’s Cathedral). Near these reserved spaces there are portable adapted toilets.
From March 16 to 19, there will also be numerous daytime and nighttime events in the festival district.
Boston
The highly accessible city of Boston often attracts up to a million green-clad visitors who want to see the St. Patrick’s Day parade. Irish immigrants inaugurated this event in 1737, in order to honor their patron. Likewise, March 17 coincides with the holiday for Evacuation Day, where a parade is also held in honor of veterans and the military.
This year, the parade to celebrate both events will take place on Sunday March 19 and will follow a route of approximately 5.6 kilometers.
New York City
One of the largest and most important parades honoring the patron saint of Ireland takes place in New York City. It annually holds a large parade that begins at East 44th Street and ends at East 79th Street.
The St Patrick’s Day Parade organization page notes that there is no reserved section of the grandstand for wheelchair users to view the parade. However, mobility equipment can be accommodated around the stage.
London
St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect time to celebrate the union between British and Irish culture. This year, London held its parade on Sunday March 12 and had an area reserved for spectators in wheelchairs. However, this Friday there is much to celebrate, and you still have time to go to a restaurant or an Irish pub with friends.
Chicago
As usual, the Chicago River was dyed green last Saturday. This famous tradition was born in 1962. The dye lasts a short time and is harmless to the environment.
Celebrations in the “Windy City” usually take place on the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day, so we recommend that you mark the date on your calendar and plan a getaway for next year. Many people take the opportunity to take a cruise that day. The company Chicago’s First Lady has accessible boats for people with reduced mobility, so you can check if they offer a tour in the appropriate fleet.
On Saturday the 11th, the traditional parade was also held, led by the city’s Irish band and accompanied by bagpipers, floats and dancers. Throughout the city, the heritage of Ireland could also be appreciated and celebrated.
Tell us, how do you celebrate this day?
Sources: St Patricks Festival, Choose Chicago, Boston Discovery Guide, NYC St Patricks Parade, Greater London Authority
