Every year on March 17th, people around the world celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. But few cities can boast as rich and colorful a history of celebrating this holiday as our beautiful city of Savannah, Georgia. From its humble beginnings in the late 1700s to today’s massive celebration, Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Day is a beloved tradition for locals and visitors alike. Let’s take a look at how this tradition got started and how it has grown over the years.
The First Parade
The first recorded St. Patrick’s Day parade in Savannah took place in 1813 and was organized by Irish-born merchant James Lynch. The parade consisted of marching bands, bagpipers, fraternal organizations, and dozens of onlookers who lined the streets to watch the procession go by. Over time, more parades were held each year with larger crowds and more elaborate floats and decorations added to each one.
Savannah Goes Green
In 1824, Savannah began its tradition of dyeing the city’s fountains green every year for St. Patrick’s Day. The practice remains popular today—you can find green fountains in many public squares throughout the city on March 17th every year. This quirky tradition is another way that locals show their pride for their Irish heritage and make sure that everyone knows just how much they love celebrating this special day.
A Growing Celebration
Savannah's St. Patrick's Day celebration continues to get bigger each year with more than 350,000 revelers gathering from around the world to celebrate together. Today's festivities include lively parades full of colorfully decorated floats and marching bands, as well as live music performances from local artists playing traditional Irish tunes along with some modern hits as well. There are also plenty of delicious food vendors serving up traditional dishes like corned beef and cabbage or shepherd's pie for those looking for a taste of authentic Irish cooking!
After grabbing a bite to eat, many visitors enjoy stopping by all the local shops Savannah has to offer. We are excited to have St. Patrick's Day gifts, flowers, and events this year that we'd love to see you at! Stay updated on our website and social media for details.
Savannah is proud of its long history of celebrating St. Patrick’s Day—from its first organized parade in 1813 to today’s massive celebration attended by thousands from around the globe. Whether you're visiting Savannah during this special time or you're lucky enough to be a local, there are plenty of ways to join in on all the fun that this holiday brings every year. So grab your best green outfit, grab some friends or family, and join us in historic downtown Savannah this March 17th for an unforgettable experience filled with music, dancing, food…and even some green fountains too!