Booze, Beads, and Cabbage? St. Patrick's Day in New Orleans

New Orleans St. Patrick's Day Parade

Most people associate New Orleans with Mardi gras, its French heritage and Cajun cuisine. Few however associate this party city with St. Patrick’s Day, the Irish and Cabbage. Unless you are native to New Orleans or just happen to be in town for the week of March 17^th, little know of the annual St. Patty’s Day parade that has marched down Magazine Street for the last twenty-nine years. Although New York City may host the world’s oldest and largest St. Patrick’s Day parade and celebration, New Orleans in my personal opinion throws the wildest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the world!

Now I know what you are thinking, “But doesn’t Ireland have the biggest and craziest St. Patrick’s Day celebration in the world?”  Think again. Although St. Patrick’s Day originated in Ireland as a religious holiday to honor of St. Patrick, the St. Patrick’s Day that Americans identify with today (the parades, beer and parties) actually began in New York City in 1762 when Irish soldiers, who were serving in the British military took to the streets to march to the beat of traditional Irish music.  Since this day the Irish immigrants and Irish Americans continue to carry on the tradition of celebrating St. Patrick with a bang! 

So, if you are thinking about traveling to Ireland for St. Patrick’s Day, do not expect the kind of celebration that you can find right in your backyard. Yes, the Ireland does host parades throughout the week of St. Patrick’s Day, but it is not going to be as big and extravagant that you will find in America. By celebrating closer to home, you will also save a lot of money on traveling expenses.

Bagpipers  marching down Magazine 

Although I myself have never been one for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day (I am not Irish), I do recognize a good party when I see one, and if you want to party for St. Patrick’s Day your destination is New Orleans.  The parade itself is full of floats and bagpipers from all over the United States. From the floats are thrown items ranging from Mardi gras beads, carrots, cabbage, flowers, and even Ramen Noodles. As the Irish gentlemen  march down the parade, they exchange flowers and garters to the ladies watching for a kiss on the cheek.  The restaurants lining Magazine Street have booths outside selling beer, whiskey, and jello shots.  Best thing of all is that if you are of age, you can drink right out in the street as long as your drink is contained in a plastic container.

The Magazine Street parade usually takes place the weekend before St. Patrick’s Day, and smaller parades occur in the French Quarters on the 17^th. If you cannot make it down to New Orleans to celebrate, try hitting up some of the other parades listed below. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Posing with my parade swag

St. Patrick’s Day Parades around the U.S:

New York City- March 17^th                                    

Holyoke, MA- March 20^th

South Boston, MA - March 20^th

Washington D.C. - March 13^th

San Diego, CA- March 12^th

San Francisco- March 12^th

Philadelphia, PA- March 13^th

Pittsburgh, PA- March 12^th

Chicago, IL- March 12^th

For more listings in a state near you please visit this website:  St. Patrick Day Parades