Inside St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin

By Food & Wine
Updated November 16, 2015
© Christopher Osburn
Though celebrated for centuries under religious auspices, St. Patrick's Day took on a new meaning in 1995 when the Irish government decided to use the holiday to host a multi-day international event showcasing Irish culture, talents and history on a national and global stage.  Click through the slideshow for a look at the preparations and festivities. 
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Preparations

© Christopher Osburn

Over 1 million green-clad revelers from all over the world celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Dublin. Festival organizers start decorating days ahead of the official holiday like here on Crow Street.

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The Greening of Dublin

© Christopher Osburn

Starting the weekend before, Dublin buildings light up in green each night leading up to March 17.

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Jameson Live

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Jameson Live! Is a huge concert at Vicar Street just across the river from iconic distillery. Over 20 million people tune in to the broadcast.

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Before the parade

© Christopher Osburn

The calm before one of the world’s largest parades.

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Parnell Square

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The parade starts in Parnell square, home to the statue of Charles Stewart Parnell, a 19th century leader for Irish independence.

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Over one million people

© Christopher Osburn

Four-days of preliminary festivities culminate with the official St. Patrick's Day Festival Parade on March 17. The event draws over one million spectators.

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A Celebration of Irish Culture

© Christopher Osburn

Performers, like the Chicago Police Department’s Bagpipes and Drums, come from all over the world to march.

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No Green Beer

© Christopher Osburn

Green beer is a decidedly American phenomenon. Ireland's Jameson distillery, which is over 200 years old, supplies plenty of whiskey for the weekend.

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St. Patrick Himself

© Christopher Osburn

Every year someone gets to play the part of St. Patrick.

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