Over 100 years ago, Ireland recognized St. Patrick's Day as an official holiday. But in the part decade, it has became more of a heritage and culture celebration than just a holiday. And the Irish take no prisoners when it comes to this occasion. Nearly every major city in Ireland hold their own festival where pubs are full of beer lovers and green can be seen as far as the eye can see. Outside of Dublin, the largest celebration of the holiday is in a town called Downpatrick, Ireland, believed to be where Saint Patrick is buried. The town's week long festival is held in honor of him as the 30,000 visitors head to the streets and parade their way down with over 80 floats.

North America

Ireland is not the only place where pubs are packed, celebrations take over and the luck of the Irish celebrates their culture. Canada and the United States are known for wearing green on this religious day of St. Patrick. The longest running parade in North America hails from Montreal, where it has been celebrated since 1824. Parades and banquets are held in celebration of the holiday and the locals toast after the parade in honor of St. Patrick. In Ottawa, a week long parade marches through allowing visitors to enjoy poetry, Irish music, sport and the Great Irish Dance Party. March 10 - 17, 2011. In nearly every household, small city and large, Americans take pride in their Irish heritage. At most schools and cafes, bagels are dyed green and Irish jig is danced around and bagpipers play til dusk. 

United Kingdom

Known for their rowdy pub culture, England bares all when it comes to celebrations. In Manchester, parades and celebrations go on for nearly two weeks before St. Patrick's Day. The Scots know how to party, as well as the Edinburgh St. Patrick's Day Festival takes over the classic city. Pints of Guiness are poured and many learn the Irish jig, while listening to Irish poetry.

New Zealand & Japan

New Zealanders owe many thanks to the Irish for the religious holiday. As they wear the traditional kelly green and drink from morning to morning, the Irish also made a great impact on the locals. Large amount of Irish immigrants reside in New Zealand who can celebrate St. Patrick's Day like it's their own holiday. The Irish culture shows it's true green colors on this day as they promote their heritage.

Japan has recently taken hold of the Irish pride. On St. Patrick's Day in nearly 10 cities including Tokyo, the prevalence of the Irish can be seen most. Japan is not known for it's Irish heritage but festivities take place and go on for the entire month of March.

by Katelyn Dato, Contributing Editor