This year’s St Patrick's Day will again be different due to the coronavirus pandemic as global celebrations of Irish culture, is commemorated in countries all over the world.

With traditional parades being cancelled for the second year in a row, many events across the world has moved online. In the United States, however, some long-standing traditions will persist, such as the Chicago River being dyed green to celebrate Ireland's patron saint.

Although large gatherings have been ruled out in many parts of the world, attempts were made to mark today (March 17 - the day was chosen as St Patrick’s legend states he died on this day) in true Irish style. Since 2010, landmarks around the world have gone green in honour of St Patrick and this year, a record number of places are taking part.

Some 670 sites in 66 countries will be taking part in Tourism Ireland's Global Greenings initiative. The quirkiest additions to this year's list include an abandoned sauna in Finland and a Smurf statue in Brussels.

St Patrick’s Day has been observed by the Irish people for more than 1,000 years. On St Patrick’s Day, Irish families would traditionally attend church in the morning and celebrate the special occasion in the afternoon.

Although the day falls during Lent, prohibitions against the consumption of meat were waived and people would dance, drink and feast on the traditional Irish meal of bacon and cabbage. St Patrick’s Day has become a big thing since then, and is also a special day in the US where an annual parade is held in celebration.

Today, people from all backgrounds celebrate St Patrick’s Day, especially in the US, Canada, the UK and Australia. Although America is undoubtedly the largest home of St Patrick’s Day productions, it is also celebrated in Japan, Singapore, Nigeria and Russia.

St Patrick’s Day is not only observed by Christians but Catholics, the Anglican Communion, the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Lutheran Church. It is also a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and the British overseas territory of Montserrat.