Tens of thousands of individuals adorned in green filled the streets of Dublin on Monday to witness the city’s annual St. Patrick's Day procession.
Approximately 4,000 participants and 12 marching bands from various locations including Ireland, North America, and Austria joined in the nation’s primary parade. Additional smaller processions were held in different regions ranging from Limerick to Cork.
In Northern Ireland, a procession in Belfast drew tens of thousands of viewers. Similarly, crowds filled with joyous spirits could be seen in Derry, Downpatrick, Enniskillen, Newry, and Ballycastle.
Each year, St. Patrick's Day occurs on March 17th.
This occasion originates from a religious feast day honoring the demise of Saint Patrick, who is revered as the patron saint of Ireland. Over time, this observance has transformed into an international festivity embracing everything Irish, featuring processions, tunes, dances, and abundant shades of green.
Although Ireland has observed St. Patrick's Day for more than 1000 years, the renowned parades began in the United States through its Irish diaspora community.
Thus, the Irish celebration also featured lively parades and festivities throughout the nation, encompassing locations such as New York, Massachusetts, Illinois, Georgia, Minnesota, and Arkansas.
On Saturday, the city of Chicago turned The Chicago River green, continuing their yearly custom.
The city of Vilnius in Lithuania appeared to be motivated by the vibrant emerald-green fluid, leading to the coloring of the Vilnia River green for the event. This occurred on the same day when a kayak procession was held along the river.
The annual celebration of St. Patrick's Day in the capital featured numerous events and festivities such as live performances of traditional Irish music and dance.
In London, Princess Kate sported a stunning deep green coat paired with a coordinating percher hat, enjoying a half-pint of Guinness while marking St Patrick's Day with the Irish Guards at Wellington Barracks.
Before the regiment's parade, the Princess of Wales handed out fresh shamrock sprigs and also conferred medals upon the soldiers.
The royalty, absent from the Guards' festivities the previous year due to her cancer diagnosis, has slowly started resuming her public engagements.