St. Patrick’s day 2026 in pictures: How cities around the world turn emerald for a day
A global splash of emerald takes over streets and skylines as countries embrace the spirit of Ireland’s biggest cultural celebration.
Women wearing leprechaun hats and beards smile as confetti cannons blast during the annual in South Boston. AP Photo
Saint Patrick's Day, celebrated annually on March 17th, honors the patron saint of Ireland.
The celebration features large parades, musical performances, and festivals, with the Dublin parade being one of the biggest. Participants often wear green clothing and festive costumes, such as the Saint Patrick costume seen in the photo. Credits/Irish Times
Look to the skies! An Spéirbhean represents the modern personification of Power, strength and stunning artistry abound. Courtesy/St. Patrick's Festival Ireland
The parade depicted takes place annually in Tokyo, specifically along Omotesandō Avenue. It is the largest Saint Patrick's Day celebration in Asia, with the first parade having occurred in 1992. The parade is known to attract prominent figures, including Irish ambassadors to Japan and various community leaders. Credits/Getty Images
Irish eyes smiling as thousands celebrate St Patrick's Day in London. The image shows two children participating in a St. Patrick's Day celebration. Credits/Iconic
Members of Ohio State University Marching Band prepare for the St. Patrick's Day parade in Dublin, Ireland. In 2026, the Dublin St. Patrick's Festival is expected to attract over 500,000 attendees, a significant portion of whom are international visitors from the U.S. Reuters
Irish wolfhound Murlough has just walked past the main viewing stands to the loudest of cheers. Courtesy: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images
A giant lily in the St. Patrick's Day parade in Central Credits/BBC
The St Patrick’s Day parade moves through Dublin city centre. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill/The Irish Times. Courtesy/Irish Times
Two participants in the 2026 St. Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland pose for the camera. Courtesy/Irish Times
An aspiring globetrotter, Arpita Chowdhury is a writer, poet, and researcher with a strong grounding in human-interest storytelling. She holds an MA in Journalism and International Affairs from University College Dublin, completed in collaboration with the CNN Academy. Her reporting and commentary have appeared in several national and international dailies, spanning travel, culture, politics, and people-centric narratives. Powered by adrak chai, she is always chasing stories that connect place with people. Reach her at arpita.chowdhury2@nw18.com
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