Chicago dyed its river green, bagpipes sounded on New York’s 5th Avenue, and in Georgia, crowds waited for 30 minutes to buy beer for breakfast before watching Savannah’s 188-year-old St. Patrick’s Day parade.

Thousands gathered Saturday morning along the Chicago River, some in shamrock-shaped sunglasses and others dressed as leprechauns with fake orange beards. Applause erupted as a motorboat sped in circles and a man on board dumped a secret dye in the water, quickly turning it a psychedelic green. The much-loved annual ritual kicked off a day of partying.

This year, the guest of honor was Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny, who took part in the parade of floats, traditional Irish dancers and musicians marching along an avenue near Chicago’s lakefront. Kenny began the day at City Hall with Mayor Rahm Emanuel. Both men sported green ties and shamrocks in their lapels.

The prime minister said he was honored to take part in Chicago’s festivities and praised the city with a large Irish population for being so receptive to immigrants.

“That’s a privilege that I shall remember for a long time,’’ Kenny said of his role in the festivities.

In Savannah, revelers set out folding chairs before dawn to catch the parade, a tradition that started in 1824 as a procession with religious roots by settlers who immigrated to the Georgia coast.

Lines of thirsty patrons were spilling out of downtown bars before the pre-parade Mass wrapped up at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist.

“It’s ridiculous for still being in the a.m.,’’ said Timmy Watkins, a utility worker who emerged from Pinkie Master’s Lounge with a beer in each hand after standing in line for 30 minutes. “These are both mine. I waited in line long enough. I figured I’d get two.’’