Xuenou > Travel > Chicago dyes river green every St Patrick’s Day – but it’s all down to an ‘accident’
Chicago dyes river green every St Patrick’s Day – but it’s all down to an ‘accident’
Chicago dyes river green every St Patrick’s Day - but it's all down to an 'accident',Every year around St Patrick's Day on March 17 the Chicago River is dyed a lurid green using vegetable dyes as celebrants drink and dress as leprechauns

Chicago dyes river green every St Patrick’s Day – but it’s all down to an ‘accident’

St Patrick’s Day sees people around the world celebrate Irish culture – and, of course, enjoy some Guinness.

The day generally has some of its biggest parties over the Irish Sea in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland – as St Patrick is the country’s patron saint.

But, the United States also celebrates St Patricks Day in a pretty big way – particularly on the Eastern Coast.

READ MORE: Pints from 67p in world's cheapest places for beer – with five places under a quid

Cities such as New York, Boston and Chicago go big on March 17 with parades and plenty of drinking and wearing green outfits.

While not particularly traditional there are reasons why St Patrick’s Day is so big in the US – largely due to the huge amounts of emigration from Ireland.

Chicago also has a fairly unique way to bring the day to life… one that can be spotted even from the air.

The river is bright green from vegetable dye
The river is bright green from vegetable dye (Image: Karen I Hirsch/ZUMA Press Wire/REX/Shutterstock)