Shamrocks & Shenanigans: A Guide to Celebrating St. Patrick's Day in Savannah

St. Patrick's Day is a widely celebrated holiday across the United States, but there is no place quite like Savannah, Georgia. With its rich Irish heritage and lively festivities, the city has become known as one of the best places to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in the country.

History of St. Patrick's Day in Savannah

Savannah has a long history of celebrating St. Patrick's Day. The city's first St. Patrick's Day parade was held in 1824, making it one of the oldest St. Patrick's Day celebrations in the country. The parade was organized by the Hibernian Society, a group of Irish immigrants who settled in Savannah in the early 19th century.

Today, the St. Patrick's Day parade in Savannah is still organized by the Hibernian Society and has grown into one of the largest St. Patrick's Day celebrations in the world, with over 300,000 visitors coming to the city each year to take part in the festivities.

What to Expect During St. Patrick's Day in Savannah

St. Patrick's Day in Savannah is a multi-day event that includes a variety of activities and events. The most popular event is, of course, the St. Patrick's Day parade. The parade typically takes place on March 17th, starting at 10:15 am and lasting for several hours. The parade features marching bands, floats, and Irish dancers, as well as representatives from local businesses and organizations.

In addition to the parade, there are also a number of other events taking place throughout the city during St. Patrick's Day weekend. These events include live music, street parties, and pub crawls. Many of the bars and restaurants in the city also offer special St. Patrick's Day menus and drinks, featuring traditional Irish fare and green beer.

One of the most unique aspects of St. Patrick's Day in Savannah is the tradition of dyeing the city's fountains green. Each year, several of the city's iconic fountains, including the Forsyth Park fountain, are dyed green in honor of the holiday.

Tips for Enjoying St. Patrick's Day in Savannah

If you're planning to visit Savannah for St. Patrick's Day, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First and foremost, be prepared for large crowds. With hundreds of thousands of visitors coming to the city for the festivities, the streets can get very crowded, especially around the parade route and in the downtown area.

It's also important to plan ahead for transportation. Many of the streets in downtown Savannah will be closed for the parade, so it's a good idea to use public transportation or plan to walk to your destination.

Finally, be sure to bring plenty of green clothing and accessories to wear during the festivities. It's a tradition to wear green on St. Patrick's Day, and you'll definitely want to join in on the fun.

St. Patrick's Day in Savannah is an experience like no other. From the colorful parade to the lively street parties, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're Irish or just love a good time, you won't want to miss this unforgettable celebration in one of America's most charming cities.