St. Patrick's Day 2025: Leprechauns, Shamrocks & The Greenest Party In The World

Ready for St. Patrick's Day?

Here's everything you need to know - from history to creative celebration ideas. Make this day special!

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day like a true Irishman!

What is celebrated on St. Patrick's Day?

Saint Patrick, who gave his name to this day, was an Irish bishop and Christian missionary who converted Ireland to Christianity in the 5th century. Hardly anything is known about Saint Patrick, and even the date of his death - March 17 - is only conjectured. On this day, the whole world celebrates St. Patrick's Day.

Hardly anyone associates this day with a religious background; only a few traditional holiday services still take place.

Why is everything green and what does the shamrock mean?

The three-leaf clover, which is known as the unofficial national symbol, was used by St. Patrick to explain the divine Trinity - i.e. God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit - to the Irish king. Enraptured by this comparison, the king allowed the word of God to be spread in Ireland. This is why the typical "shamrock", as the shamrock is called in Ireland, only has three leaves instead of the auspicious four.

Not only in Ireland, but all over the world, parades are held throughout the city, for example in London, New York, Boston and Munich. Did you know that the Chicago River and some other rivers are dyed green in the national color? In addition to dyed rivers, you can also enjoy a green beer or two on St. Patrick's Day. Another eye-catching fact: whether Irish or not, everyone dresses green on this holiday and parades through the pubs or parades in their St. Patrick's Day costume.