The dyeing of the Chicago River is a long standing tradition here in Chicago - not only because it kicks off the St. Patrick’s Day festivities (arguably the biggest holiday of the year for us Chirish - Chicago Irish - folks and everyone else who’s Irish for a day) but also because it unofficially marks the end of our bitterly windy winters!
Thousands of Chicagoans and visitors line the river between Michigan Avenue and State Street to watch the dyeing, which takes place at 9am on the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day. It’s probably my favourite part of the holiday since everyone’s spirits are high and nobody’s (too) drunk yet!
Also, here’s a fun fact: the river is already green! The dye used is actually 40 lbs. of a yellowish orange vegetable dye (not harmful to the ecosystem) that turns the water a brighter green!
Happy St. Patrick’s Day from Chicago, everyone!!
