(170312) -- CHICAGO, March 12, 2017 (Xinhua) -- People take part in the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in downtown Chicago, the United States, March 11, 2017. St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner and Chicago has already started celebration. St. Patrick's Day is a cultural and religious holiday celebrated annually on March 17, the death date of the patron saint of Ireland, Saint Patrick. It has been celebrated in North America since the late 18th century. In recent years, it has become a combination of both Irish and local arts and cultures. (Xinhua/Wang Ping)(zcc)more(170312) -- CHICAGO, March 12, 2017 (Xinhua) -- People take part in the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in downtown Chicago, the United States, March 11, 2017. St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner and Chicago has already started celebration. St. Patrick's Day is a cultural and religious holiday celebrated annually on March 17, the death date of the patron saint of Ireland, Saint Patrick. It has been celebrated in North America since the late 18th century. In recent years, it has become a combination of both Irish and local arts and cultures. (Xinhua/Wang Ping)(zcc)more