Overview
- Cities across the United States and beyond staged major parades, with New York’s procession going ahead despite local smoke and Chicago continuing its tradition of dyeing the river green.
- Archbishop Eamon Martin led a Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Armagh, highlighting the day’s continuing place in Catholic worship.
- Google marked the occasion with a special shamrock-themed green doodle released on March 17.
- Coverage emphasized Patrick’s fifth‑century story—abduction to Ireland, escape, priestly formation and return as a missionary credited with advancing Christianity on the island.
- Reports distinguished folklore and modern add‑ons from history, noting the lack of evidence for “driving out snakes” and the U.S. origins of green beer.