Every year, as St. Patrick’s Day approaches, one of Chicago’s most iconic sights is the vibrant green hue that overtakes the Chicago River. For locals and visitors alike, it’s a true spectacle—one that has become synonymous with the city’s celebration of Irish culture. But why does the city go to such lengths to dye its river green? Let’s dive into the history, the process, and the significance behind this St. Patrick’s Day tradition.
The History Behind the Green River
The first “official” river dyeing happened in 1962, when a group of local plumbers led by Stephen M. Bailey decided to dye the river for the holiday. They used a vegetable-based dye that turned the water a shocking shade of green and has since become a symbol of the city’s festive spirit, according to Block Club Chicago.
Little did they know, this effort would spark the creation of one of the city’s most beloved annual events. In that first year, the dye turned the river a startlingly bright green, and it caught the eye of local officials, who saw potential for a fun and festive addition to the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
How Do They Dye the River Green?
Now that we know why the river gets dyed, the next question is: How exactly do they do it? The process isn’t as simple as just pouring dye into the water. The dye is actually a special, non-toxic vegetable-based powder that is carefully poured into the river. Over the years, the method has become a well-oiled machine.
Typically, about 40 pounds of dye are used to achieve the vibrant green color, and the process takes around 45 minutes to complete. The dye is distributed from a boat, which slowly cruises along the river as it releases the color into the water. The result is a stunning and vivid green river that becomes the center of attention in the city. The river stays green for a few hours, adding to the atmosphere of the entire day’s celebrations.
A City-Wide Celebration
The dyeing of the Chicago River is just one part of the city’s massive St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Once the river turns green, it’s time for the parade, which winds its way through downtown Chicago. Thousands of people gather to watch the parade, where colorful floats, bagpipes, and Irish dancers take center stage. It’s a day filled with joy, music, and Irish pride.
St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago isn’t just about the parade or the green river—it’s a full-on celebration of Irish heritage and culture. The city is alive with events, from pub crawls to live music performances. In fact, it’s not unusual for Chicago to attract visitors from all over the world, all eager to take part in the city’s famous St. Patrick’s Day festivities.
Why the Green River is More Than Just a Tradition
While the green river is a fun and visually striking element of the city’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, it also symbolizes something deeper. Chicago has a large Irish-American population, and the dyeing of the river is an expression of community pride and cultural heritage. For many, it’s a reminder of the Irish immigrants who helped shape the city, and it honors the impact they had on its growth and development.
When and Where to See the Green River
If you’re planning to be in Chicago during St. Patrick’s Day, it’s a must-see event. The river dyeing typically takes place early in the morning, with the parade following shortly after. The river stays green for a few hours, so you’ll have plenty of time to take in the stunning scene before heading out to enjoy the rest of the festivities.
While St. Patrick’s Day falls on Monday, March 17 this year, the river dying took place early Saturday morning on March 15, with crowds gathering in downtown Chicago to kick off the city’s St. Patrick’s Day weekend, as The Independent reported. Thousands of people lined Wacker Drive, stretching from Wolf Point to DuSable Lake Shore Drive, eagerly awaiting the traditional dyeing of the Chicago River.
“By far one of the happiest, most fun days in downtown Chicago is celebrating the river being dyed green,” Lakeshore East resident Kate Liebelt told The Chicago Tribune. “It brings the community together to celebrate St. Paddy’s Day and the start of spring.”
