St. Patrick Day 2022: Why Do They Dye The Chicago River Green?

St. Patrick’s Day falls on March 17 every year. The day of the week changes. In 2022, St. Patrick’s Day falls on Thursday, March 17.

The earliest observance of St. Patrick’s Day dates back to Ireland in the 1600s.

It began as—and remains—a religious day to recognize the death of St. Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint who brought Christianity to the country (although he was born a wealthy Englishman!).

Because it’s a feast day in Christianity, the date remains March 17.

The holiday as we know it today, with parades, parties, and more, emerged from Irish-Americans in the 1800s, according to Time.

By the end of the century, big cities like Boston, New York, and Chicago were hosting major celebrations for everyone to take part in over the course of days leading up to March 17.

Why Do They Dye The Chicago River Green?
The green dye was originally part of the city’s effort to clean up the river’s waterfront areas, which had long been a depository for Chicago’s waste.

In 1962, Chicago city workers dumped 100 pounds of dye into the river flowing through downtown Chicago.

It left the river emerald green for an entire week and kick-started an annual tradition. The city celebrated the 60th anniversary of the event this past weekend.