About St. Patrick's Day
St. Patrick's Day falls on March 17 every year, honoring the patron saint of Ireland — and this live countdown shows exactly how many days remain until the world turns green. What began as a religious feast day has grown into the most global national celebration on Earth, marked in more countries than any other.
Patrick was a 5th-century Romano-British missionary who, by legend, used the three-leafed shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity and banished the snakes from Ireland (the island never had any — the snakes are a metaphor). March 17 marks the traditional date of his death, and Irish communities have kept the feast for over a thousand years.
The modern spectacle is hard to miss: Dublin throws a multi-day festival, New York's Fifth Avenue parade is the world's oldest and largest, Chicago dyes its river emerald green, and landmarks from the Sydney Opera House to the Pyramids join the "Global Greening". Expect parades, céilí music, Guinness — around 13 million pints are poured on the day — and everyone claiming to be a little bit Irish.
Upcoming dates
| 2027 | Wednesday, March 17, 2027next |
| 2028 | Friday, March 17, 2028 |
| 2029 | Saturday, March 17, 2029 |
| 2030 | Sunday, March 17, 2030 |
| 2031 | Monday, March 17, 2031 |
FAQ
How many days until St. Patrick's Day?
The live countdown above shows the days, hours and minutes remaining until March 17 in your timezone.
What day is St. Patrick's Day 2027?
St. Patrick's Day 2027 falls on Wednesday, March 17, 2027.
Why do people wear green?
Green became associated with Ireland — the Emerald Isle — and with the shamrock; tradition holds that wearing green makes you invisible to leprechauns, who pinch anyone they can see.
Is St. Patrick's Day a public holiday?
In Ireland and Northern Ireland, yes. Elsewhere it is widely celebrated but not an official holiday.