Explore 14 of the most iconic St. Patrick’s Day parades from around the world.

March is a magical month, whether you’re Irish, have Irish roots, or simply wish you were part of the Irish spirit.

St. Patrick's Day falls on Tuesday, March 17, 2020, and brings out the Irish in people worldwide.

One of the most popular ways to celebrate is through vibrant parades filled with shamrocks, music, and plenty of green.

Due to the coronavirus, some parades may be canceled, so be sure to check local news or parade websites before you go.

Here are 14 of the top St. Patrick’s Day parades across global destinations, along with a brief history of St. Patrick and the origins of the holiday.

So, who exactly was St. Patrick?

Born in 385 A.D. when Ireland was still a land of pagans, Patrick was kidnapped at 16 and brought to Ireland as a slave. He escaped six years later and became a priest.

Patrick later returned to Ireland to spread Christianity, becoming the island’s patron saint, symbolizing protection for both its spiritual and worldly affairs.

He passed away in 461 A.D.

How is St. Patrick's Day celebrated?

In Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day is a national holiday, which means banks, businesses, and shops close for the day. The religious significance of the holiday is especially strong in this predominantly Catholic nation.

According to the 2017 U.S. Census, over 32.6 million Americans claim Irish ancestry, more than six times the population of Ireland (around 5 million). In the U.S., the holiday is more secular and celebrated as a big party, with many non-Catholics participating.

The first St. Patrick's Day celebration in the U.S. took place in Boston in 1737, and it has only grown since then.

Enough history—let’s dive into the parades! Follow the links for details on each city:

St. Patrick’s Day Parades in the U.S.

Boston: Known for its deep Irish roots, Boston hosts a massive parade with crowds reaching up to a million. The parade will march through South Boston starting at 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 15. (Times are local.)

Buffalo, New York: Snow or shine, Buffalo celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with a parade every year since 1940. It kicks off at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 15, preceded by a 10:30 a.m. Mass at St. Joseph's Cathedral.

Chicago: Dyeing the Chicago River green is just one of the ways this city celebrates St. Patrick's Day. This year’s theme is '65 Years of Love, Loyalty, and Friendship.' Parade starts at noon on Saturday, March 14.

Dallas: Known for its grand celebrations, Dallas claims the title of the largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the Southwest, featuring over 90 floats. The 2020 parade will mark its 41st year. Parade begins at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 14.

Denver: The Irish spirit is alive and well in Denver, with one of Colorado's largest annual events—the downtown parade—drawing huge crowds. The parade starts at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 14.

New Orleans: As if the Big Easy needed another reason to celebrate! Instead of one massive parade, New Orleans hosts numerous neighborhood parades throughout the city. The festivities run from Friday, March 13, to Sunday, March 22.

New York City: The largest city in the U.S. showcases an extravagant parade with school and military bands marching down Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. The parade starts at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 17.

Savannah, Georgia: The smallest city in this roundup, but one of the most unforgettable St. Patrick’s Day parades and celebrations in the country. The parade begins at 10:15 a.m. on Tuesday, March 17.

St. Patrick’s Day Parades around the World

Dublin: Unfortunately, Ireland's capital will not host its annual parade this year to reduce the risk of coronavirus spread. The promised 'whirlwind of glittering colours and entrancing choreography' will have to wait until next year. Cork, another Irish city, also canceled its parade. Parade is at noon on Tuesday, March 17.

London: Despite the historical tensions between the English and Irish, London joins the celebrations with floats, marching bands, and sports clubs parading from Piccadilly, past The Ritz, Piccadilly Circus, and Trafalgar Square. Parade starts at noon on Sunday, March 15.

Montreal: While Montreal is primarily a French-speaking city, it also has strong Irish roots. This year marks the 197th St. Patrick’s Day parade, a testament to the city's longstanding Irish heritage. Parade starts at noon on Sunday, March 22.

Montserrat: This Caribbean island has surprising Irish ties, honoring those who led an attempted slave revolt in the days leading up to St. Patrick's Day. The parade features lively drummers and dancers, with a moment of silence to remember the fallen. Parade starts at noon on Tuesday, March 17.

Munich: What’s a German city to do between Oktoberfests? Host an Irish parade, of course! Organizers claim this is the third largest celebration in the city famous for its parties. Parade begins at noon on Sunday, March 15.

Perth, Australia: The Irish spirit reaches all the way to Australia. After the parade, festivities continue well into the evening. Parade starts at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 14.

Don’t forget to check out the photo gallery above for highlights from past parades in these cities. And remember, the 'best' St. Patrick's Day parade is the one you’re celebrating!