Looking to get away to celebrate this St. Patrick’s Day? Some of the country’s biggest and most historic celebrations take place in a seemingly quintessential southern city – Savannah, Georgia! But southern takes a back seat ever so slightly the month of March, as Savannah turns out the green to celebrate this beloved city’s Irish history. And everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day in Savannah! St. Patrick's Day is more like a season here in the Low Country, so check out these festive events to make your days (and not just March 17!) a little bit greener.
Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade, hosted on March 17, 2020, is what many consider to be the quintessential Savannah St. Patrick’s Day experience. Featuring area service members, marching bands from all over the United States and even the Budweiser Clydesdale horses, the parade line-up is jam-packed with delightful entertainment. Beginning around 10:15 a.m. and lasting several hours, the route winds through much of the Historic District. Be sure to arrive early, claim your vantage point, and be ready to stay the day.
Greening of the Fountain
Even Savannah’s fountains wear green for St. Patrick’s Day! Each year, the famous Forsyth Park fountain goes green at a special ceremony featuring the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshal. Friends, family and ceremony attendees work together to pour green dye into the fountain water. Don’t miss this unique Savannah event on March 6th at noon.
Celtic Cross Ceremony in Emmet Square
During the annual Celtic Cross Ceremony, St. John the Baptist parish members, local Irish families and St. Patrick’s Day parade officials process from the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist to Emmet Park to honor Savannah’s Irish lineage. This year’s ceremony will take place on Sunday, March 15th.
Festival of St. Patrick on Savannah's Waterfront & City Market
With stages at both City Market and River Street, join in festive Irish fun with live music, food trucks, food and beverage vendors and other excitement at the Festival of St. Patrick. Events will be ongoing from March 13th to 15th.
Mass at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
Mass at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist kicks off the St. Patrick's Day festivities in Savannah! Service begins promptly at 8 a.m. on March 17th; you’ll have to arrive early to get a seat! The city’s parade and festivities begin shortly after service in front of the church steps on Abercorn Street.
Tybee Island Irish Heritage Parade
Tybee Island will hold a family-friendly Irish Heritage Parade on Saturday, March 14th. Come decked out in your kelly green and enjoy a day on the island watching Irish clans and families march along with bagpipers and other Irish-themed entertainment.
For more events and to make travel plans to Savannah go to visitsavannah.com
