The four corners of the globe will be awash with green on March 17, 2019, as millions around the world celebrate St Patrick’s Day.
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Leprechaun hats, ginger beards and pints of Guinness will be the staples as people take to the streets in the name of Ireland's patron saint.
While Dublin, Belfast, New York and Sydney are all obvious choices for an Irish knees-up, Ireland's patron saint is celebrated in some places you wouldn't expect.
Tokyo, Japan
The unabashedly named I Love Ireland Festival attracts more than 100,000 each year and is fast becoming a somewhat unexpected annual tradition in Japan. The two-day festival features Irish performers, traditional Irish food and a healthy dose of stout and whiskey too.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Did you know Argentina has the 5th largest Irish community in the world? St Patrick's Day or el Dia de Sam Patricio has a fantastic street party vibe with the main event being the parade to honour the homeland with a host of elves, fairies, bagpipers and Irish dancers.
Moscow, Russia
In Moscow, St Patrick’s Day will not just be celebrated on March 17 – the festivities will go on for an entire week! Whether it’s Irish dancing, Oscar-nominated films, or green pints, they've got you covered. They even put their own spin on the traditional parade with some distinctively weird costumes. At times, it can look like a friendlier, daytime version of Halloween: with people dressed as rats, Vikings or tarantulas.
Dubai, U.A.E
Deserts, dunes and exotic markets are what you'd expect when travelling to Dubai, but with job opportunities, Dubai has a growing Irish population. Popular pub The Irish Village hosts major celebrations including a family day with live music and a petting zoo. As for Saturday, March 16, and the big day itself on Sunday, guests can expect traditional Irish tunes, well known Irish bands and dancers to get everyone off their feet.
Montserrat
Known as the Emerald Isle of the Caribbean, Montserrat is the only country outside Ireland where St Patrick’s Day is a public holiday. Montserrat’s Irish heritage dates back to the 17th century, and visitors at the airport receive a shamrock shaped stamp in their passports.
Events will take place in parks and buildings across the north of the island, while much of the activity on St Patrick’s Day itself will centre on a reconstructed slave village. Here, stalls will sell traditional food, locals will gather to play traditional games such as dominoes and marbles, and masquerade dancers will put on colourful displays.
Global Greening
Now in its tenth year, the initiative sees more than 300 buildings and landmarks across the globe illuminated green for St. Patrick's Day.
The London Eye and the One World Trade Center in New York, the fountains on Gran Via in Barcelona, City Hall in Antwerp and even a rhino statue in Nairobi National Park will light up green. Old favourites include the Colosseum in Rome, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Empire State Building in New York.