Saint Patrick’s Day: the day of luck, of all things green. Shamrocks, leprechauns, glitter galore. The Day is often heavily celebrated within the walls of schools when kids gather around a “leprechaun” that decorates their room with green decor. And arguably, the best part of the celebrations for any young child: treats the leprechaun left behind as an apology. Outside the school environment, festivities for Saint Patrick’s Day only get bigger and better.

While many use Saint Patrick’s Day as an excuse to wear green clothes, spectate at festivals, or maybe decorate an elementary school classroom, the origins of Saint Paddy’s Day, in reality, did not revolve around extravaganzas. Saint Patrick’s Day originated in Ireland and began as a commemoration of – you guessed it – Saint Patrick. Although the holiday has religious roots, people worldwide began celebrating the shamrock-infested holiday over time.

Festivities throughout the state of Georgia aim to paint cities green each March. For instance, the Savannah Saint Patrick’s Day Parade is a mere three-hour drive from Atlanta. The festival celebrates the Day of luck with green costumes, marching bands, Irish dancers, festive floats, pipe bands, and the occasional leprechaun. Starting Friday, March 17th at 10:15 am, parade participants snaked their way through the historic streets of Savannah, Georgia. With more than 350 people marching in the parade and over 15,000 spectators viewing the spectacle, the parade rivaled similar festivities worldwide. “As a child, I always celebrated Saint Patrick’s Day by wearing green colors, but I had never been to a real parade,” said junior Dylan Toliver. “When I went to the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in Savannah, I knew I could never celebrate any other way.”

For some, a three-hour drive may be too much but fear not, Atlantians know how to throw a party. Just a 20-minute drive from North Atlanta, a Saint Patrick’s Day Festival snakes through Atlanta’s blooming spring trees and bustling city streets. Like the Savannah Parade, the Atlanta festivities – hosted by the Irish Network Atlanta –  features Irish dancers, music, and marching bands. “Saint Patrick’s Day in Atlanta is my favorite holiday because of the festivity in the air and, of course, the lively floats and people,” said Senior Logan Kaufman.

The possibilities of Saint Patrick’s Day in Georgia are endless. Whether wearing a green shirt you’ve had since you were four, pretending to be a leprechaun, or going to a Saint Patrick’s Parade, it is difficult to miss the festivities. With any luck, (hopefully, there’s some considering Saint Patrick’s Day), you might even see a real-life leprechaun. We can’t wait to celebrate in 2024, Dubs.