St Patrick’s Day 2026 explained: History, traditions and ‘splitting the G’ Guinness challenge explained
Get it right and you’re basically legendary among your mates. Here’s what Aussies are up to this St Patrick’s Day.
Green outfits, Irish music, packed pubs and a wave of Guinness pints. St Patrick’s Day has become one of the biggest cultural celebrations in the world, not just in Ireland.
But beyond the parades and drinking traditions, many people don’t actually know what the day celebrates — or why everyone is suddenly trying to “split the G”.
What is St Patrick’s Day?
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.St Patrick’s Day is celebrated every year on March 17 and honours Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.
The date marks the anniversary of his death in the fifth century. St Patrick is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland and is widely associated with Irish folklore and symbolism.
According to legend, he used the three-leaf shamrock to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity to Irish converts, which is why the plant became one of the most recognisable symbols of Ireland, History.com shared.
Originally, St Patrick’s Day was a religious feast day, but over time it evolved into a global celebration of Irish culture.
It is marked by parades, music, traditional food, and plenty of Irish pride.
Why does everyone wear green?
Green has long been associated with Ireland, often called the Emerald Isle, thanks to its lush countryside.
Wearing green on March 17 has become one of the most common St Patrick’s Day traditions, along with shamrock pins, Irish flags and themed outfits.
Many cities around the world also light landmarks in green to mark the day.
How people celebrate
St Patrick’s Day is celebrated across the globe, particularly in countries with large Irish communities such as the United States, Australia, the UK and Canada.
Cities including Dublin, New York, Chicago and Sydney host large parades and festivals.
Pubs typically become the centre of celebrations, serving Irish food such as corned beef and cabbage and drinks while crowds gather for live music and dancing.
And that brings us to one of the day’s most famous drinks.
Guinness, Ireland’s iconic dark stout, has become synonymous with St Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Millions of pints are poured around the world each March 17 as people raise a glass to Irish culture.
The drink’s distinctive creamy head and dark colour also make it perfect for a particular pub challenge that has exploded in popularity.
What is ‘splitting the G’?
“Splitting the G” is a Guinness drinking challenge that has become increasingly popular on social media.
The goal is simple: take a sip of your Guinness so that the foam line lands exactly halfway through the “G” in the Guinness logo printed on the pint glass.
If you manage to land it perfectly, you’ve successfully “split the G”.
The challenge has long existed as a pub game in Ireland and the UK, but has recently surged in popularity thanks to TikTok and social media, with drinkers around the world attempting the perfect sip.
How to split the G
The challenge sounds simple, but it can take some practice.
Drinkers typically:
- Order a pint of Guinness
- Take a single steady sip
- Try to stop exactly in the middle of the letter “G”
Miss the mark, and you may have to take another attempt.
A global celebration
Whether you’re wearing green, watching a parade or attempting to split the G with friends, St Patrick’s Day has grown far beyond its religious origins.
Today it’s a celebration of Irish culture, community and — for many — a good excuse to raise a pint.
Please drink responsibly. Alcohol should only be consumed by people of legal drinking age and in moderation.
