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Millions of Americans took to streets and bars around the country to celebrate the start of St Patrick’s Day weekend, even turning an entire river green.
The annual celebration of the patron saint of Ireland is traditionally held on March 17, but with it being on a Sunday this year the party started early to keep that day for religious services.
New York City held its St Patrick’s Day parade for the 263rd year with 150,000 people marching 35 blocks up Fifth Avenue and two million watching from the street or on TV.
Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams joined crowds to watch the parade that kicked off at 11am at 44th Street and took four hours to reach its end at 79th Street.
Millions of Americans took to streets and bars around the country to celebrate the start of St Patrick’s Day weekend
New York City held its St Patrick’s Day parade for the 263rd year with 150,000 people marching 35 blocks up Fifth Avenue and two million watching from the street or on TV
New York Attorney General Letitia James and Governor Kathy Hochul march in the St Patrick’s Day parade
New York City Mayor Eric Adams participates in the St Patrick’s Day Parade up 5th Ave, waving an Irish flag form the sideline
A man plays the bagpipes during the 263rd annual St Patrick’s Day parade
A New York City Police officer waves to the crowd during the St Patrick’s Day Parade in New York
Many in the crowd wore green and waved Irish flags as they watched marching bands and other groups walk by, led by grand marshal Margaret Timoney (pictured), chief executive of Heineken USA and Irish native
NMillions of Americans are descended from Irish immigrants who arrived in the early days of the country’s founding, fleeing dire economic conditions at home
About a third of all immigrants in 1820 to 1860 were Irish, and about 4.5 million arrived between 1841 and World War II
Costumed crowd members watch the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York
A marching band rehearses before marching in the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York City
People celebrates while watching the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York City
Crowd uses the steps of a church along the parade route to get a glimpse as it goes past
Archbishop of New York Timothy Dolan waves to the crowd during the St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Cardinal Timothy Dolan, partly seen, places his galero hat on a child as revelers march along Fifth Avenue
Members of the Police Department Emerald Society Pipes & Drums march during the St Patrick’s Day Parade in New York
Members of the Police Department Emerald Society Pipes & Drums march during the St Patrick’s Day Parade in New York
Many in the crowd wore green and waved Irish flags as they watched marching bands and other groups walk by, led by grand marshal Margaret Timoney, chief executive of Heineken USA and Irish native.
Others were already in one of NYC’s hundreds of Irish pubs for the other traditional part of the celebration, and millions more will join them later in the day and on Sunday.
The parade has been held since 1762 – 14 years before the US gained its independence – and the first reference to the holiday being celebrated in the city was in 1756.
Meanwhile in Savannah, Georgia, another very old parade took place, claiming to be in its 200th year, with 300 entries marching through the city’s old town.
The party started at 7am for some, with locals sharing their first beer being cracked open earlier than almost any other day of the year.
Others were already in one of NYC’s hundreds of Irish pubs for the other traditional part of the celebration, and millions more will join them later in the day and on Sunday
People drink at The Perfect Pint bar on in New York City early on St Patrick’s Day
Bar patrons celebrate during the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York City
A man wears a t-shirt depicting the face of Donald Trump as he attends the annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
A man with the Irish flag painted on his face watches the 263rd annual St. Patrick’s Day parade
Brenna Curley, aged 5, watches the 263rd annual St Patrick’s Day parade on March 16, 2024 in New York City
New York Governor Kathy Hochul poses for a photograph before taking part in the 263rd annual St. Patrick’s Day parade
James Byrne holds his sons Quincy Byrne, aged 5, and Tucker Byrne, aged 4, before taking part in the 263rd annual St. Patrick’s Day parade
St Patrick’s Day was originally a Catholic feat day, but over the centuries evolved into a secular celebration of Irish culture – and drinking in particular
Governor Kathy Hochul marches in the 263rd St. Patrick’s Day Parade
A veteran plays with Irish wolf hounds named Siobhan and Billy before people take part in the 263rd annual St Patrick’s Day parade
Chicago also went big, dumping massive amounts of green dye into the Chicago River to turn the water green as thousands crowded either side to see the vibrant color.
St Patrick’s Day was originally a Catholic feat day, but over the centuries evolved into a secular celebration of Irish culture – and drinking in particular.
Millions of Americans are descended from Irish immigrants who arrived in the early days of the country’s founding, fleeing dire economic conditions at home.
About a third of all immigrants in 1820 to 1860 were Irish, and about 4.5 million arrived between 1841 and World War II. Boston’s NBA team is even named the Celtics in their honor.
