(CNN) – March is a great time of the year when you are Irish. Or when you are of Irish descent. Or when you would like to be of Irish descent. Or when you simply pretend that you are Irish, even if you are not.
St. Patrick's Day, to be held on Sunday, March 17, 2019, will draw the Irish from a crowd of people around the world.
And one of the best ways to celebrate this event is to organize parades – turbulent, green-colored parades, shamrock festooned and lively.
Below you'll find 15 of the best St. Patrick's Day parades in the world, as well as a brief history of the saint himself and a holiday first:
So who was St. Patrick?
Patrick was born at 385, at the time when Ireland was still a pagan territory. At the age of 16, Patrick, of British origin, was brought to Ireland as a slave. He escaped six years later and became a priest.
He eventually returned to the island and began to convert the natives to Christianity. He is the patron saint of Ireland and, as such, he is invoked to protect the spiritual and material interests of the island and its inhabitants.
He died in 461 AD
How is the day?
In 2016, an NYPD officer marches with his son in front of St. Patrick's Cathedral in Manhattan during the annual St. Patrick's Day parade.
Spencer Platt / Getty Images
St. Patrick's Day is a holiday in Ireland. This means that banks, shops and businesses are closing for the day. The holiday has stronger religious resonances in this strongly Catholic country.
According to the US Census, about 32.6 million US residents reported having Irish ancestry in 2017, more than six times the Irish population (5.1 million). It's no longer a secular event and a party in the United States, and many non-Catholics participate.
The first St. Patrick's Day celebration in the United States was held in Boston in 1737. It is from that moment on.
And now, let's move on to these 15 parades! Click on the link in each city for more details:
Catwalks in the United States
Boston: Of course, this city charged with Irish influence is organizing a grand parade. It can be expected that a million people attend the parade taking place in South Boston. Departure 13h Sunday 17 March. (The hours in the roundup are local).
Buffalo, New York: This often snowy city does not give time to stop the party. The grand marshal of the 2019 parade will be the third generation of his family to assume this role. 2 pm Sunday, March 17th.
Chicago: The dyeing of the green of the Chicago River is not the only thing to do here. The theme of the parade for 2019 is "Irish Music". Saturday, March 16 at noon.
Dallas: Texas is famous for doing great things and the Dallas parade says it's the most important of the southwest. 2019 will mark the 40th anniversary of the parade. Saturday, March 16 at 11 o'clock.
Denver: They have not forgotten the Irish at the base of the Rockies. The Denver Downtown Parade is one of Colorado's largest annual events. Saturday, March 16 at 9:30.
Kenny Old Farts' fleet launches cabbage on Magazine Street in New Orleans in 2008.
Matthew Hinton / AFP / Getty Images
New Orleans: As this city needed another excuse to hold a party! In the Big Easy, they have many neighborhood parades instead of one big one. From Friday, March 15 to Saturday, April 6.
New York City: The largest city in the United States is hosting an impressive parade of school and military orchestras along Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. Saturday, March 16 at 11 o'clock.
Savannah, Georgia: The smallest city in the United States in this part of this rally is in full swing with one of the country's most memorable parades and celebrations. Saturday, March 16th, 10:15 am
Parades in the rest of the world
Take charge in the St. Patrick's Day parade held in Dublin in 2018.
Paul Faith / AFP / Getty Images
Dublin: You did not think we were going to organize a rally for the St. Patrick's Day parade and leave out the Irish capital, is not it? The theme of the 2019 parade is "Tale", something for which we heard that the Irish had a present. Sunday, March 17 at noon.
London: You may be surprised to see London on the list considering the historical tensions between Ireland and the English, but it's a new age and about 50,000 people come to see the tanks, the fanfares and sports clubs travel from Piccadilly to Trafalgar Square. Sunday, March 17 at noon.
Montreal: Even if it is the French territory, a notable Irish thread crosses Montreal. The 2019 parade is expected to include 20 floats, 25 groups and approximately 4,000 participants in this multicultural Canadian city. Sunday, March 17 at noon.
Montserrat (view program in PDF): This is another place with surprising Irish connections. In the week leading up to St. Patrick's Day, this Caribbean island pays tribute to those who led an attempt at the slave uprising. The parade traditionally salutes this spirit with lively drummers and dancers but also a moment of silence. 1 pm Monday, March 18th.
Munich: What's a German city to do between the beer festivals? Why, start a parade for the Irish! The organizers of the parade say that it is the third biggest festival of this city known for its festivals. The 2019 parade has 63 participants lined up. Sunday, March 17 at noon.
Perth, Australia: The Irish influence is indeed global, even in far away Australia. Post-parade activities extend into the early evening. Saturday, March 16th at 10 o'clock.
Singapore: This famous melting pot of Asia also mixes with cultures from other continents, including that of the Irish. And their parade only represents part of the three days of street festivals and concerts. 2:30 pm in the afternoon. Sunday, March 17th.
Do not forget to check out the photo gallery above to learn about the highlights of past shows in many of these cities. And do not despair if your show is not on the list. After all, the "best" St. Patrick's Day parade is the one you attend.
