St. Patrick’s Day is often associated with the color green and people from Ireland. It is celebrated on March 17 every year, and people with Irish ancestors commonly celebrate it by eating corned beef and cabbage. Every year, the Chicago River is dyed green in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. But why is St. Patrick’s Day a popular holiday to people with Irish ancestors?

It can be traced back to the death of St. Patrick, a Catholic saint that is considered a big part of Ireland. Patrick was born in England and, at just 16, was kidnapped and sent to Ireland as a slave. Once he was free, he believed he was in charge of spreading the word of God throughout Ireland. St. Patrick reportedly baptized thousands of Catholics each day, until his death on March 17.

St. Patrick’s Day is well known in America thanks to the many Irish immigrants who came to create a new life. During the Great Potato Famine of 1845, over one million Irish immigrants flooded America, where they were faced with many more challenges. With very few job opportunities in the United States, Irish immigrants showed their heritage by celebrating with one another on St. Patrick’s Day.

Before the 17th century, the Irish would celebrate by having big feasts every year, and the first official St. Patrick’s Day parade took place in New York City in 1762. Now there are over 100 parades every year all across America and even more that go on in countries like Ireland, Canada and Australia.

This holiday is commonly known for drinking, but it actually started as a religious holiday, and Irish laws forced bars to be closed on this day. In the 1970’s, the theme switched to include various St. Patrick’s Day drinks. In 1995, Ireland started using the holiday as a way to bring in more tourists.

In Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated over the course of many days. Celebrations include concerts, parades, fireworks and other types of festive events that are similar to the Fourth of July in America.

St. Patrick’s Day is a holiday full of many traditions, from eating corned beef to going to huge parades. So remember to wear green and fully embrace the St. Patrick’s Day spirit, even if you aren’t Irish.