The Chicago river has been dyed bright green to celebrate of St Patrick’s Day after a quick U-turn by the Mayor.
Mayor Lori Lightfoot had previously insisted that the water would not be tinted for a second year in a row due to Covid-19 concerns.
Chicago has recorded nearly 250,000 cases of the virus since the pandemic began, according local officials.
Last year, Ms Lightfoot had cancelled the city’s parades and the river dyeing just days before they were set to take place.
This year’s event was not publicised in advance “in order to minimise crowds and avoid congregating,” the Mayor’s spokesperson told The Chicago Tribune.
“Furthermore, the Riverwalk will be closed on Saturday and Chicagoans looking to see the River during the day are urged to ‘keep it moving’ and celebrate safely and responsibly,” they added.
According to the newspaper, the tradition dates back to 1962, when Mayor Richard J Daley reportedly suggested turning part of Lake Michigan green for the annual celebration.
