Dust off the bagpipes, Saint Patrick's Day is near as Irish communities around the world celebrate Ireland's patron saint.

More than a thousand revelers came out to paint Shanghai green Saturday, along with the Irish minister of state who made a surprise visit.

[Eoin Murphy, President, Le Cheile]:
"We're the only international group to be allowed to parade on the streets of Shanghai and that is a great honor for us as Irish people living in Shanghai."

The luck of the Irish attracted many of the local Chinese.

[Ding Lin, Parade Attendee]:
"When I was there (in Dublin), it was purely Irish culture on display. When this is staged in Shanghai, there are also many aspects of Chinese culture shown here, so I feel this is quite good."

The event also drew people of different nationalities living in Shanghai, including a couple from Ireland's neighbor, Scotland.

[Jackie King, Scottish Resident]:
“We always wanted to come down to the parade ever since we've lived in Shanghai just because the Scots and the Irish have a really close Celtic connection. We are very similar in terms of our love of a good ale and a good outdoor concert."

They may not have turned the river green but the event is still young as this is the 4th time it has been held in Shanghai.