On March 17, 2014, Sydney and Canberra will join the global greening in celebration of St Patrick’s Day. Tourism Ireland has arranged for key buildings throughout Sydney and Canberra to be lit a green hue in celebration of Ireland’s national holiday and an unofficial day of celebration in Australia.
The annual phenomenon which sees a host of major landmarks and iconic sites around the world ‘go green’ has grown from strength to strength, with a number of new landmarks signing up to take part this year.
It is not the first time the western sails of the Sydney Opera House have turned green – this year the green hue will be visible from around 8pm, while it is a first for Old Parliament House in Canberra. Sydney buildings including Hyde Park Barracks, the State Library of NSW and Pitt Street Mall will also co-ordinate their colours in a united effort.
Diane Butler, Manager Tourism Ireland, Sydney and New Zealand said “each year the world goes green to celebrate St Patrick’s Day and this year is no different. Sydney’s landmark buildings will join other iconic buildings around the globe to celebrate all that it is to 
be Irish”.
be Irish”.
Famous landmarks going green this year include the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Petra in Jordan, the Pyramids of Giza, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the London Eye along with the ‘Welcome’ sign in Las Vegas.
The spectacular ‘greening’ campaign captures the imagination of millions and creates a vivid visual backdrop to the annual St Patrick celebrations.
St Patrick's Day is held in honour of Ireland's patron saint and celebrates the diversity of culture and heritage on the island of Ireland as well as the famous friendliness of its people.
It is traditionally marked by parades, festivals, parties, get-togethers, 'craic' and the 'wearing of the green' in cities and towns in Ireland and all around the world by people of both Irish and non-Irish descent.
The biggest celebration takes place in Dublin. This year a four-day St Patrick's Festival running from 14 –17 March will draw on the very best in Irish and international talent and the streets of the Irish capital will come alive with pageantry, carnivals and free entertainment.
Some 70 million people around the world consider themselves to be Irish or of Irish descent – but on St Patrick's Day the figure rises as the world falls in love with Ireland and joins in the global party.
For more information go to ireland.com.
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