It's about that time: spring is starting to peek through the clouds, clocks go forward an hour for Daylight Savings Time and St. Patrick's Day--which is smack in the middle of the work week this year.

No worries. Weekend celebrations are going full blast.



Certainly the most famous tradition here in Chicago is dyeing the river green. Like, radioactive green. The South Side Parade is also a huge event, which came dangerously close to not happening this year.

But the longest-running St. Paddy's Day parade is actually in New York City. It will take its 249th run on Wednesday. It's not the oldest--that belongs to the city of Boston who did it first in 1737--but NYC's got the franchise on most participants and most spectators with around two million.

And here's just a random clip from a celebration in Tokyo:



I find it amusing that Wikipedia describes the holiday's observers as "Irish people, people of Irish ancestry, Roman Catholics, Anglicans, English-speaking countries" even though it is most notorious for attracting celebrators who are none of the above.

As we do for any holiday that involves copious libations, we at AG Traveler urge all you goddesses to be safe as you celebrate the day St. Patrick drove the serpents out of Ireland. No matter where you are in the world, travel in a group, know your limits and DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE!!! Driving when you've had one too many green-tinted beers absolutely isn't worth risking your life or someone else's. Take public transportation. Swallow the cost of a taxi. Enjoy the day and the traditions wherever you are, but always take care of yourselves and your friends.

Slàinte! (That's 'cheers' in Irish)