Saint Patrick Parades Go Global ...

Yes, it is that time of the year again, all the world thinks "green", not as in low emissions, but as in "Emerald Isle". Saint Patrick's Day is upon us and from the frozen wastes of the tundra to the deepest heart of Temple Bar the party will be in full swing. According to a quick survey amongst About.com guides around the globe, there'll be no escaping. So, brace yourself, put on something green, brush up on the blarney - and in alphabetical order here are the places to wet your shamrock, from Boston to Washington plus some truly exotic locations thrown in:

• Boston - Can't get to Ireland for St. Patrick's Day? Boston may be your next best
  bet! Here's your guide to the parade and other Irish events in Boston.

• Brazil - St. Patrick's Day in Brazil is mainly celebrated in Irish pubs - some throw a big party, whereas others keep it low-key and just offer a few drink specials.
• Caribbean - Yes, apart from sunshine, rum and tropical splendor, there also is a lively Irish connection, especially on Montserrat.
• Dublin - Find out how to make the best of a Saint Patrick's Day in Ireland's capital Dublin.
• Greece - Did St. Patrick ever choose a Greek isle over his Emerald Isle? No. But don't worry - a lively Irish expatriate community in Greece has assured that you'll never be far from an Irish bar on St. Patrick's Day.
• Italy - Hey, Rome sent Patrick to Ireland, so why is there no party? Ah, other Italian cities make up for it ...
• London - Celebrate Saint Patrick's Day in London ... at the parade or in one of the numerous Irish pubs!
• Los Angeles - Here are a few ways you can get your Irish on in LA this St. Paddy's season. Including a Latino band performing a Pogues tribute ...
• New Orleans - Mardi Gras is so last month, what kind of party can we throw now? New Orleans also segues perfectly from the Irish to the Italians ...
• Paris - Paris might lag behind Dublin or New York when it comes to St. Patrick's Day celebrations, but March 17th is still an important date on the Parisian calendar. Can't be at the parade? Try a Parisian Irish Pub instead ...
• Shanghai - the town goes green as well, and we are not talking green tea here! Find out more about the Paddy's Day in Shanghai.
• Southeastern US - From Savannah's mega multi-day St. Patrick's Day celebrations, the second
  largest in the United States, to large and small events throughout the
  Southeast U.S., these parades, festivals and special events offer lots of
  Irish-style fun for all ages.

• Southwestern US - It isn't all mariachis and Cinco de Mayo in the Southwest. The southwestern U.S. states have plenty of Irish green come March. Find out where to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with parades, festivals and pub parties in Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Colorado and Nevada.
• Sydney - G'Day Paddy down under ...
• Toronto - Since 1987, the Toronto St. Patrick's Day Parade has drawn a spirited crowd of people to cheer on the marching bands, floats, music and leprechauns. All heading for Toronto's Irish pubs afterwards ...
• United Kingdom - Did you know that Birmingham has the third largest St. Patrick's Day Parade
  in the world?

• Vancouver - Not only a parade ... but a veritable list of Irish pubs invite you to join in the Vancouver Paddy's Day fun!
• Washington DC - If you are not Brian Cowen, delivering the shamrock to Barack Obama (Note: should that be O'Bama?), get in the annual green day spirit by attending the 2009 St. Patrick's Day Parade in DC.

Should you find yourself stuck in an airport instead, Arlene Fleming has advice on finding the best airport pubs in the US ... small consolation on missing out on the parades, but better than being bitter.

Should you wish to cater a Saint Patrick's Party at home (plus parade through the living room, conga-style), Elaine Lemm has a round-up on St Patrick's Day recipes and drinks.

And finally, for those more interested in the history than the party, Robert McNamara has a very readable article on the history of Saint Patrick's Day in New York.

Photo © 2009 Bernd Biege licensed to About.com, Inc.