Everyone’s favorite Irish holiday is just around the corner, and there are so many ways to celebrate it here in Florida — one of the states most obsessed with St. Patrick’s Day, according to a new study.
Though we’ll admit we can’t take the gold away from Massachusetts, the Sunshine State ranked No. 7 on a list of U.S. states that are most enthusiastic about St. Paddy’s by NailThatGift. And that’s enough to head out and celebrate! According to the research, the top 10 states most obsessed with the holiday are as follows:
- Massachusetts
- New York
- Illinois
- Colorado
- Rhode Island
- New Hampshire
- Florida
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Nevada
The determining factors for the contenders included Irish pubs and restaurants per capita; state-level capita beer consumption and online search activity for pubs, drinks and outfits (adjusted per 100,000 residents). When it comes to Floridians, rather than searching for green beer or festive outfits, they’re looking for a party. The state also ranked No. 5 nationwide in “Pub & Event Searches.”
What are some of the best St. Paddy’s Day events in Florida?
The state is home to some incredible St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, ranging from deeply historical parades to massive street festivals. Here are several highlights if you’re willing to make the drive:
- St. Augustine Celtic Music & Heritage Festival: Because St. Augustine holds the title for the first recorded St. Patrick’s Day celebration in America (in the year 1600) it honors that history with the “world’s oldest St. Patrick’s Day parade.” You can expect internationally acclaimed Celtic bands, whiskey tastings and a massive parade through the nation’s oldest city.
- Tampa’s River O’ Green Festival: Just like Chicago, Tampa actually dyes its Hillsborough River a bright emerald green. Held at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, this free festival features live Irish music, food trucks, green beer and the annual Rough Riders St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
- Fort Lauderdale St. Patrick’s Parade & Festival: One of the premier celebrations in South Florida, this massive parade runs down Las Olas Boulevard with decorative floats, marching bands and classic automobiles. It’s followed by an all-day street festival at Tunnel Top Plaza with live music and Irish dancers.
- Hollywood St. Patrick’s Festival: Known as South Florida’s largest St. Patrick’s Day parade and festival, this celebration brings a massive dose of traditional Irish flair. A mile-long parade includes the famous NYPD Emerald Society Pipe and Drum Corps, floats and antique vehicles, followed by a huge outdoor concert and street vendors in downtown Hollywood.
If you’re looking for more St. Paddy’s celebrations in Miami, find our full guide here.
