As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, no tradition competes against Chicago’s annual St. Patrick’s Day river dying. This year, eco-friendly dye is expected to be dumped into the river on March 15th, two days before the actual holiday. Residents of Chicago witness this event over bridges that overlook the river.
This unique tradition was first dated back to 1961 when the business manager of the plumber’s association, Stephan Bailey, met with one of his employees wearing white overalls. Stained on his clothes were bright green splotches described as “the perfect shade of green” and “Irish green” from a dye that was used to detect leaks in rivers. At that moment, Bailey exclaimed, “Call the mayor…we will dye the Chicago River green!” and even since, it’s been Chicago's very own tradition.
A few days before the event, the Chicago Plumbers Union embarks on boats that sail across the river, spraying an orange, eco-friendly dye that turns green when in contact with the water. Other cities have made strenuous attempts, but none have come close to succeeding. Chicago refers to the dye as their “lucky charm” and their “Leprechaun” as it’s what truly defines this memorable experience.
Preparations happen weeks before the Saturday of St. Patrick’s Day to prepare and manufacture the show-stopping dye that usually lasts at least a few days after the 17th as well. However, individuals beyond the Plumbers Union are unaware of the secret recipe used to make the dye–ultimately reinforcing the holiday and their secret traditions.
The river-dying ceremony is followed by a multitude of parades and other national events along the North and South sides of Columbus, celebrating with Irish spirit. Chicago celebrates St. Patrick’s Day like no other city, making it a popular vacation spot this spring.
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