The numbers
Saint Patrick’s Day 2026 will be celebrated on March 17, which falls on a Tuesday. This annual event, rooted in Irish culture, is a national holiday in Ireland and has been embraced by many around the world, including in the United States.
Despite the widespread celebration, fewer than 10% of the U.S. population has Irish ancestry. However, interest in the holiday remains high, with more than one-third of consumers (36%) planning to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in 2026.
The first St. Patrick’s Day celebration in America dates back to 1600 in St. Augustine, Florida, and the first known St. Patrick’s Day parade was held on March 17, 1601. These events laid the groundwork for the rich traditions that have developed over the centuries.
In Des Moines, Iowa, the St. Patrick’s Day parade is set to start at noon on March 17. The parade route begins at Grand Avenue and Robert D. Ray Drive, concluding at Eighth Street. This event is expected to draw large crowds, celebrating Irish heritage and culture.
To accommodate the parade, several streets in Des Moines will be closed from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 17. This closure is necessary to ensure the safety of participants and spectators alike.
The tradition of wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day symbolizes protection from leprechauns, a belief that has persisted through generations. This custom, along with various festivities, highlights the cultural significance of the day.
Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, died on March 17, 461, and his legacy continues to be honored through these celebrations. Observers expect that the 2026 festivities will reflect both the historical roots and contemporary expressions of Irish culture.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding specific events and activities planned for the day, but the enthusiasm for St. Patrick’s Day remains strong across the nation.
