(CNN)Chicagoans were happy to welcome back a beloved tradition this weekend as the city celebrated St. Patrick’s Day by turning its river green again and holding its first St. Patrick’s Day parade in three years.
The parade has been canceled for the past two years due to Covid-19. Last year, the city surprised residents by turning the river green – a decades-old tradition – without prior notice to avoid attracting crowds during the pandemic.
Crowds of people came Saturday despite the bitter cold and snow.
“This is amazing after all these years of suffering and the sun is shining,” said Onur Celik, who was at the scene, according to CNN affiliate WLS.
The tradition began in 1962 with a dye that plumbers used to check pipes for leaks. Now the city is using a greener powder made from vegetables. The powder is actually orange, and the fact that it turns the water green led to locals dubbing it “goblin dust.” The recipe is a well-kept secret.
Even Irish visitors were impressed, according to WLS.
“It’s incredible,” Cathal Rasmussen, who was visiting from Ireland, told the partner. “Great city and we are so happy and so proud to be here. We had a great week and hope to come back next year.”
Add Comment