Q: How far in advance do celebrations start? I'm meeting my friends from college and I'm trying to figure out how early to head over there/
A: The parade usually last a couple of hours. I think Chicago has a large parade as well as New York. They may last a little longer but the Irish festivities here in Boston Start on March 18th and end on March 17th (11 months 29 days later) Just kidding. Things start happening about a week before. Some places actually sell green beer . A few years back it got quite rowdy and drinking in public was banned. It has become a family event and no fights or problems. The pubs are quite busy and most have Irish bands or music. Corned beef and cabbage on all menus. We celebrate it here more than the do in Ireland, and that's no Blarney. Control the amount you drink and you will have a great time.