St. Patrick's Day

On Saturday, March 16, the murky blue Chicago River was transformed into an emerald green spectacle within minutes. A tradition that dates back to 1962, the dazzling green water brought throngs of people to the city to celebrate St. Patrick's Day on Sunday.

St. Patrick's Day is celebrated each year to honor St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. According to Britannica.com, St. Patrick was kidnapped at the age of 16 and taken to Ireland as a slave. After escaping, he returned to Ireland in 432 CE and established monasteries and churches to convert the Irish to Christianity.

Chicago River dyed green during St. Patrick's Day weekend

The holiday is associated with the color green, and junior Andrew Weaver explained that he and his family celebrate by dressing head to toe in green. "We wear as much green as we can, and whoever wakes up first and forgets to wear green gets pinched," said Weaver. "We celebrate it because we just have since I was young and part of my family is Irish. It's just to have fun with my family."

Story by Lily Saylor