Every March 17th, the world turns green in celebration of St. Patrick's Day. From parades filled with shamrocks to rivers dyed emerald, it's a day to honor Irish culture and revel in its festive traditions. But how much do you really know about the holiday? Here's a collection of 9 St. Patrick's Day fun facts to surprise and delight your friends as you sip your Guinness—or devour your corned beef and cabbage.  

1. St. Patrick Wasn't Irish  

Yes, you read that right! St. Patrick, wasn’t actually Irish. He was born in Britain around the year 385 AD to Roman parents. Patrick was captured by Irish raiders as a teenager and enslaved in Ireland for six years. After escaping, he later returned to Ireland as a Christian missionary.  

2. The Day Honors His Death, Not His Birth  

St. Patrick’s Day commemorates the date of St. Patrick’s death—March 17th, 461 AD—not his birth. It's a day to honor his life and his contributions to spreading Christianity throughout Ireland.  

3. Blue Was Once The Color Of St. Patrick  

Although green is now synonymous with St. Patrick’s Day, blue was originally associated with the saint. Early artwork depicting St. Patrick often featured him in blue robes. Green only became associated with the holiday in the 18th century as a tribute to the Emerald Isle and its lush landscapes.  

4. It Used To Be A Dry Holiday  

Believe it or not, St. Patrick’s Day was a solemn, religious holiday in Ireland for many years. Until the late 20th century, Irish laws required pubs to close on March 17th in observance of the day. It wasn’t until 1970 that St. Patrick’s Day was declared a national holiday in Ireland, allowing pubs to open and the revelry we know today to take shape.  

5. The First St. Patrick's Day Parade Wasn't In Ireland  

The first St. Patrick’s Day parade was held in St. Augustine, Florida, in 1601—long before Ireland started celebrating with parades. New York City later hosted its first St. Patrick’s Day parade in 1762, making it one of the most famous St. Patrick’s Day parades in the world today.  

6. Chicago Dyes Its River Green   

Chicago takes St. Patrick’s Day festivities to another level by dyeing the Chicago River a vibrant green. The tradition started in 1962 when city officials used a green dye to trace pollution in the river. The color was so festive they turned it into an annual custom. Today, eco-friendly vegetable dye ensures the celebration doesn’t harm the environment.  

7. Americans Spend Big On St. Patrick's Day  

St. Patrick’s Day is a huge deal in the U.S., and it shows in the spending. Americans collectively spend over $6 billion on the holiday each year, splurging on food, drinks, apparel, and party supplies. Fun fact—80% of people report that they wear green on March 17th as part of the festivities.  

8. Guinness Sales Skyrocket  

It wouldn’t be St. Patrick’s Day without a pint of Guinness! Globally, over 13 million pints of Guinness are consumed on March 17th, doubling its typical daily sales. Ireland alone accounts for a significant portion of that, but Guinness-lovers from all over the world contribute to the spike.

9. Corned Beef And Cabbage Isn’t A Traditional Irish Dish  

Corned beef and cabbage is commonly associated with St. Patrick’s Day, but it’s actually more of an Irish-American tradition than an Irish one. Irish immigrants in the U.S. swapped expensive bacon for corned beef—a cheaper but equally delicious substitute—and paired it with cabbage. Over time, the dish became a staple of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in America.