St Patrick's Day – When Chicago revellers paint the town green

St Patrick’s Day, which falls on March 17, is special for the Irish when they celebrate the death of St Patrick who brought Christianity to Ireland. But the first Saturday before St Patrick’s is a much more fun day in Chicago when the entire city goes green!

The Irish revellers of course turn out on the streets and fill the pubs, but in Chicago, the entire city turns out to dye the river green.

The Chicago River dyeing is one of the most unique celebrations in the world, comparable to La Tomatina in Spain. The dyeing is spearheaded by the plumbers union who have apparently kept their environmentally friendly green formula a closely guarded secret.

Revellers, Irish and non-Irish, fill up the boats in the early hours of the morning and by 10 am the dyeing starts. The colour lasts only a few hours, so Chicagoans crowd onto Michigan Avenue, close to the landmark Chicago Tribune building and the Gleacher Center of Booth School.

The crowds are a sight to see in themselves as everyone turns out in a zillion shades of green — from their beanies and caps to their mufflers and scarves to t-shirts and suits and shoes.

The first time the Chicago River was dyed green was in 1962, and thereafter it has become an indelible part of Chicago’s traditions.

St Patrick’s Day celebrations of course continue till March 17, and the high point is the Irish Parade, which was first held in 1843. Since then, it has become an official city event.

America’s businesses turn out in all their gusto to cash in on the green revelry. Merchandise of every kind by every marquee apparel maker floods the city, while travel companies make their money hawking the best seats on their boats from where to watch the river turn green.

The warmth of the celebration and the heat of the spirits can make one brave the gusts of chill winds that make Chicago one of the coldest major cities in the world.