And in the middle is a holiday associated with merry drinking and a centuries-old religious figure: St. Patrick's Day. Monday, March 17, is the holiday to celebrate everything Irish, including St.

The Chicago River is once again glowing kelly green as the city opens its annual St. Patrick’s Day celebrations

It was among Irish American communities that the day became the celebration it is, from its roots as a more solemn day with a religious observance in Ireland.