This upcoming Saturday, March 17, is St. Patrick’s Day! This historic holiday honors St. Patrick and his Irish heritage, and it is commonly celebrated in Ireland, Canada, Brazil, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Argentina, Australia, and the U.S. Parties of orange and green are quite common on this day, but what else is there to know? Some St. Patrick’s Day facts are as follows…

1. Corned beef and cabbage is a common dish to eat on St. Patrick’s Day.
2. It’s an old Irish tradition to pinch those who are not wearing green on this day.
3. Many historians claim that St. Patrick actually wore blue instead of green!
4. Every year on St. Patrick’s Day, green dye fills Illinois’ Chicago River, creating a color that can last for multiple days!
5. Boston is the home of the first ever St. Patrick’s Day parade! It was originally celebrated there in 1762.
6. Back when St. Patrick was still alive, people believed that wearing green colored clothing would make one invisible to leprechauns!
7. St. Patrick died on March 17, 461 A.D.
8. St. Patrick wasn’t born in Ireland! It’s actually believed that he grew up in Britannia.
9. In Ireland, most–if not all– businesses are closed on this special day.
10. New York City is home to the biggest St. Patrick’s Day parade. It’s the place to be for those who like to party!