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March 12, 2012 Slideshows

        
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A St. Patrick's Day Party Preview

Traditionally, St. Patrick's Day honors the Patron Saint of Ireland, and the spread of Christianity to the island. But the holiday is more broadly celebrated in America, where after a few Guinnesses, anyone can be Irish. For a holiday that recognizes the unique culture of Ireland, there certainly are a lot of American tropes thrown into the revelry. In case you can't remember your last few St. Patrick's Days, here's what to expect.

Joseph Schell

Perhaps because Mardi Gras has recently put people in the novelty necklace spirit, St. Patrick's Day often involves green plastic beads, as seen at the St. Patrick's Day parade in San Francisco, California.

Danny Hurley

Even at more traditional events, like the North Texas Irish Festival in Dallas, Texas, there are silly green hats.

Aaron Thackeray

But one of the greatest traditions of all is green beers like at Lodo's Bar and Grill in Denver, Colorado.

Colin Young-Wolff

And what's the best way to drink green beer? Through green straw glasses at Casey's Irish Pub in Los Angeles.

Melissa Fossum

Non-sensical green t-shirts are also popular, as seen at McFadden's in Glendale, Arizona.

Ryan Wolf

Too many "Kiss Me I'm Irish" drink specials at Teakwood's Tavern and Grill in Phoenix, Arizona could lead to an Irish threesome.

Kholood Eid

Stereotypes aside, most Irish bars serve more than Guinness and offer a range of beers like the Market Pub House's selection in University City, Missouri, just outside of the St. Louis city limits.

Ryan Wolf

An Irish bar only becomes more authentic with gaelic typeface, like at The Dubliner irish Pub in Phoenix, Arizona.

Kate Levy

But on St. Patrick's Day, sometimes a Guinness is all you want, as this woman at Bender's Tavern in Denver, Colorado proves.

Crystal Rolfe

St. Patrick's Day in America isn't totally devoid of tradition. Young Irish step dancers show their pride on the streets of St. Louis, Missouri.

Crystal Rolfe

Some women at the parade in St. Louis, Missouri choose to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in a more contemporary way.

Jennifer Silverberg

And occasionally, an Irish bar will display a gross misunderstanding of Anglo-Irish relations, like at Dooley's Beef N Brew House in St. Louis, Missouri.