Chicago River turns green ahead of St. Patrick’s Day in decades-old tradition, netizens say ‘let’s get this started’

As the world gears up to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, the Chicago River was for one more time seen glowing in vibrant green hues as the city opens up its celebrations.

As per a report by the Associated Press, members of the Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Union Local 130 sprayed dye into the water from boats on Saturday.

As the Chicago Journeymen coloured the river in kelly green, thousands of people lined the river and packed bridges. Cheers erupted when the colour was sprayed.

Chicago River turns green

Colouring the Chicago River ahead of St. Patrick's Day celebrations has been a tradition of 63 years now.

The dyeing immediately precedes the annual downtown St. Patrick's Day parade.

The dye is nontoxic. While the river stays bright for several hours, some trace of color can remain for days.

Netizens react

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker posted a photo on his X account showing the Chicago River turned green.

“One of my favorite Chicago traditions. And one that wouldn’t be possible without Plumbers Local 130 as we dye the Chicago River green. Sláinte,” he wrote.

“Let's Get This St. Paddy's Day Started. Today on the River to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Chicago,” a photographer said, posting a picture.

People also shared timelapse videos of the colouring process.

St. Patrick's Day in US

St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland and is credited with having brought Christianity there in the fifth century.

The day — which falls on Monday this year — celebrates Irish culture.

In the United States, parades take place in cities around the country and all kinds of foods and drinks are given an emerald hue.

Irish people came to America and brought their culture with them. St. Patrick's Day observances date back to before the founding of the U.S., in places like Boston and New York City. The first parade was held in Manhattan in 1762.