Tens of thousands of individuals adorned in green filled the streets of Dublin on Monday to witness the city’s annual St. Patrick's Day procession.
Around 4,000 participants and 12 marching bands from various locations including Ireland, North America, and Austria joined in the nation’s primary procession. Additional smaller processions were held in different regions stretching from Limerick to Cork.
In Northern Ireland, a procession in Belfast city drew crowds of tens of thousands of onlookers. Similarly, large groups filled with great spirits gathered in Derry, Downpatrick, Enniskillen, Newry, and Ballycastle.
Each year, St. Patrick's Day occurs on March 17th.
This occasion originates from a religious feast day honoring St. Patrick, who is revered as the patron saint of Ireland. Over time, this observance has transformed into an international festivity embracing everything Irish, complete with processions, tunes, dances, and plenty of emerald hues.
Although Ireland has observed St. Patrick's Day for more than 1000 years, the renowned parades began in the United States through its Irish expatriate community.
Thus, the Irish celebration also featured lively parades and festivities throughout the nation, encompassing states like New York, Massachusetts, Illinois, Georgia, Minnesota, and Arkansas.
On Saturday, the city of Chicago turned The Chicago River green, as part of their yearly custom.
The city of Vilnius in Lithuania appeared to be motivated by the vibrant emerald-green liquid, turning the Vilnia River green for the event. A kayak procession was also held along the river on Saturday.
The annual celebration of St. Patrick's Day in the capital featured numerous events and festivities such as live performances of Irish music and dance.
In London, Princess Kate sported a deep forest green coat paired with a coordinating percher hat, enjoying a half-pint of Guinness while commemorating St Patrick's Day alongside the Irish Guards at Wellington Barracks.
Before the regiment's parade, the Princess of Wales handed out freshly picked shamrocks and bestowed medals upon the soldiers.
The royalty, absent from the Guards' festivities the previous year due to her cancer diagnosis, has slowly started resuming her public engagements.