St. Patrick’s Day is not an Italian holiday, but in several cities across Italy, it has evolved into a lively cultural celebration. Rather than following one national tradition, the holiday is marked in different ways depending on the region, the local nightlife, and the international presence within each city.
Rome
In Rome, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are large in scale and high in energy. In some years, the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Colosseum, are illuminated in green as part of the Global Greening initiative, creating a striking contrast between ancient history and modern festivities.
At the heart of the celebration is the Irish Village, which transforms the city into a lively hub from 17 to 19 March. Live Celtic music, beer, and street food draw locals, Irish expats, and visitors from around the world, creating a festival-like atmosphere that lasts well into the night.
Rome also offers extended hop-on-and-off pub crawls that can run for up to ten hours. Led by tour guides, these crawls move through multiple neighborhoods and popular pubs, turning the celebration into a moving experience across the city. As evening turns into night, pubs throughout Rome join in, and the glow of green lighting against the historic backdrop makes the city one of the most visually memorable places in Italy to experience St. Patrick’s Day.
Padua
In Padua, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated through a large-scale cultural festival rather than late-night pub culture. Each March, the city hosts Irlanda in Festa, a multi-day event centered on Irish music, food, and traditional performances.
Despite Padua not having a large Irish community, Irlanda in Festa has grown into one of the most well-known Irish-themed festivals in Italy. The celebration spans several days and features continuous live music, food stands, and a consistently festive atmosphere. While Guinness flows freely, the focus remains on music, community, and shared experiences rather than nightlife excess.
The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, making Padua a popular choice for families, groups, and visitors looking for a social but approachable way to celebrate. With events beginning in mid-March, the city offers one of the earliest and longest-running St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the country.
Milan
In Milan, St. Patrick’s Day is treated as a multi-day cultural moment rather than a single night out. The city celebrates through Ireland Week, which runs through mid-March and features a packed schedule of events highlighting Irish music, food, dance, and tradition. Throughout the week, Irish pubs across Milan become gathering points for locals and visitors, offering live performances and themed menus that go beyond a typical bar celebration.
One of the largest gatherings takes place from March 15 to 17 at Carroponte in Sesto San Giovanni, where Irish Fest Milano brings festival energy to the city. The event recreates the atmosphere of an Irish pub on a much larger scale, with a wide selection of beers, live music, traditional dancing, Irish food, and sporting elements. The result is a celebration that appeals to a broad audience and extends well beyond a standard night out.
Dance also plays a role in Milan’s celebrations. On March 17, the Academy of Irish Dance Gens D’Ys performs at Discoteca Fellini, bringing traditional Irish movement into the city’s nightlife scene. The Navigli district further adds to the experience, particularly along Via Corsico, where bars and cafés lean into the holiday with whiskey-focused menus and festive lighting. On the evening of March 16, green lights are projected onto surrounding buildings as part of the Global Greening initiative, tying Milan into the worldwide St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
Florence
In Florence, St. Patrick’s Day is centered around the city’s well-established pub scene rather than large-scale festivals. The celebration unfolds through a lively night of pub hopping, where locals and visitors move between popular venues to enjoy live music, themed drinks, and a festive crowd. The overall vibe is energetic and social, blending Irish traditions with Florence’s laid-back nightlife culture.
One of the standout locations is an Irish pub on Borgo Ognissanti, known for creating a high-energy atmosphere on St. Patrick’s Day. With a mix of traditional Irish music and rock influences, the pub draws a crowd that stays well into the evening and often serves as a popular starting point for the night.
Another favorite is Finnegan’s Bar on Via San Gallo. Known for its live music and buzzing interior, the pub becomes a central gathering place during the holiday. Groups of friends pack in to enjoy whiskey tastings, flowing beer, and a celebratory environment that feels authentic without being overproduced.
Florence’s approach to St. Patrick’s Day is informal and experience-driven. Rather than following a strict schedule, the city invites people to explore, move between pubs, and celebrate at their own pace while enjoying a distinctly Irish night out in the heart of Tuscany.
Final takeaway
Across Italy, St. Patrick’s Day is all about participation. Cities across the country embrace it in ways that reflect their own culture, energy, and social life. Whether through festivals, pub crawls, or week-long events, Italy celebrates St. Patrick’s Day by showing up, joining in, and doing it its own way.
