I’ve never had much chance to take part in a parade myself – and I suspect there’s good reason for that.

You see, parades are usually meant to celebrate something noteworthy. I’ve never played in a marching band, never won an award, and my lack of hand-eye co-ordination would almost guarantee that I’d fall off a parade float to an untimely death below. “Trampled by papier-mâché dragon”: I can already see the headlines.

In fact, the only time I’ve ever been invited to march along in a procession was on a remarkably low-stakes occasion. I was eight years old, and it was for my elementary school’s annual Halloween parade.

That’s where St Patrick’s Day in Copenhagen comes in. The city’s annual parade gives me a chance to relive my glory days – but this time, I’ll be wearing an oversized green hat instead of a Cleopatra costume.

And after a particularly long, dark winter, the holiday isn’t just an excuse to imbibe, either – it’s reason enough to become part of the show yourself. For those who aren’t so inclined to self-glorification (or humiliation, as the case may be), check out the next few pages for other ways to celebrate and find that last push through the chilly season. I’m sure you’ll find something to entertain the whole family.