When you happen to be in New York City on March 17, then you are in the right place at the right time. It's the day when the famous St. Patrick's Day is celebrated in a special way in New York.
Although many other US cities also celebrate St. Patrick's Day through a parade, the parade in New York is considered part of history. The Irish old tradition of a St. Patrick Day Parade has been celebrated in New York City for almost 250 years. Although it has been celebrated some years before, the first official parade was held in 1766 by the Irish military serving in the city.
Moreover, it is the most celebrated parade in the city. Every year, as many as 150,000 people wholeheartedly march for the parade. The celebration begins from 11 am at 44th St., marching up Fifth Avenue, 50th St., all the way to 79th St., and ends at around 5 pm at the American Irish Historical Society at East 80th St.
You might want to register for participation and join this once-a-year event as the participants are actually volunteers. Although some of them are descendants of the early people who began the parade, many are New Yorkers and visitors who are not from Ireland.
You may also blend into the crowd in the street on that occasion and just like the Irish, dress yourself in green and drink the Irish beer Guinness and Jameson while watching the parade. Everyone in New York just wants to be happy on that day.
March 17 marks the death of Ireland's most prominent saint, Saint Patrick. The festivities are held to commemorate him, as well as the time when Christianity came into Ireland.
