March 17, 2025 by D. Paul Graham

**Today everyone is Irish. Let the party begin! Photo D. Paul Graham / imageGRAHAM, llc**

If you’ve never been to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Savannah, you may wonder what’s so special about the day. Savannah doesn’t just celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. It owns it. Blending deep Irish heritage, Southern hospitality, and a perfect amount of controlled chaos, it’s no wonder this celebration is one of the biggest in the country. If you’ve never been here for the experience, this morning’s M5T shares why you should put it on your bucket list.

1. MANAGED MADNESS. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Savannah isn’t just an event. It’s a tradition that dates back to 1824 and has grown into the third largest parade in the nation. Every year, more than 300,000 of your closest friends line the streets to watch hundreds of floats, marching bands, Irish dancers, bagpipers, military units, and local organizations roll through the Historic District. The parade kicks off in the morning and keeps the energy going well into the afternoon, making its way past historic homes, moss-draped oaks, and a sea of green-clad carousers. Pucker up for the parade’s “Kiss Me, I’m Irish” moments, where participants jump from their floats to smooch bystanders, leaving bright red lip-stick marks on cheeks. By the time you read M5T today, the best spots to watch the parade will be taken. Some Savannahian families have had the same spot for generations and set up chairs, coolers, and banners well before dawn.

2. A GIANT PARTY. Some cities keep the party contained to a few bars, but not Savannah. The whole city transforms into an Irish-themed celebration. Thanks to Savannah’s famous open container law, you can grab a drink from one bar and take it to go, making River Street, City Market, and Bay Street the ultimate St. Patrick’s Day/Week playground. Live music fills the air, street performers entertain the crowds, and the bars, pubs, and restaurants are packed from morning until the wee hours. Locals host massive block parties in every neighborhood, and pop-up bars serve bottomless green beer, Guinness, and Jameson shots. For those looking for a more refined celebration, formal events, like the Grand Marshal’s Reception, the Tara Feis Irish Festival, and the Irish Heritage Dance all showcase traditional Irish music, culture and, of course, plenty of Irish whiskey.

3. THE GREEN FOUNTAIN. Before the parade madness even begins, the Greening of the Fountain is one of the city’s most cherished traditions. A week before St. Patrick’s Day, crowds gather in the iconic green space of Forsyth Park, to watch green dye being dumped into the fountain’s waters. It’s a family-friendly kickoff to the festivities, often accompanied by bagpipers, Irish dancers, and speeches from city leaders and parade organizers. The greening symbolizes the start of the citywide celebration and provides selfie and Instagram opportunities in front of the glowing green waters.

4. THE IRISH RUNS DEEP. Savannah’s Irish pride is in the city’s DNA. Irish immigrants, many of whom came to Savannah in the early 1800s, played a huge role in shaping the city, working in industries like construction, law enforcement, and politics. Their influence is still felt today, and many of Savannah’s oldest and most respected families have Irish roots. One of the most meaningful traditions of the celebration held before the parade is the St. Patrick’s Day Mass at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. This stunning Gothic cathedral, one of the most beautiful in the South, hosts a service attended by local Irish families, dignitaries, and the parade’s Grand Marshal. It’s a moment of reflection and gratitude before the city erupts into full-on shenanigans.

5. NOT JUST A DAY. While some cities celebrate St. Patrick’s Day for one day, Savannah keeps the party going with a number of events for the week leading up to the parade. The 5K Shamrock Run is a race through downtown where runners dress in ridiculous green outfits, finishing (some even during the race) with a post-race pint, or five. A multi-day block party featuring food vendors, beer gardens, and live music stages across River Street and City Market keep people fed, hydrated and entertained. There’s an official St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl and every bar in town gets in on the action. For those new to the week, know that St. Patrick’s Day in Savannah is a marathon, not a sprint. Whether you’re Irish by blood or just Irish for the weekend, throw on some green, grab some libations, and enjoy the party.

Before you dig into your corned beef and cabbage on this St. Patrick’s Day, here’s to “having the hindsight to know where you’ve been, the foresight to know where you’re going, and the insight to know when you’ve had enough.” Sláinte!

For over 13 years, D. Paul Graham has published “Monday 5 Things” ™, also known to readers as M5T™. He will be wearing green today.

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