NEW YORK (AP) — St. Patrick’s Day, the annual celebration of all things Irish, was marked by parades throughout the United States on Monday, from a procession through Manhattan to a rolling spectacle through Savannah’s historic streets. School marching bands and traditional Irish pipe and drum ensembles ambled down Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue with uniformed delegations from the police and fire departments in New York City, which hosts one of the nation’s largest and oldest parades.
The celebration made its way north past designer shops and St. Patrick’s Cathedral, a stunning neo-Gothic landmark and the seat of the Catholic Archdiocese of New York. Mayor Eric Adams donned a green cap and scarf and waved an Irish flag as Catholic Archbishop Timothy Dolan welcomed marchers wearing the traditional green, white, and orange sash — the colors of the Irish flag.
“It’s fantastic to be here,” said Ryan Hanlon, vice chairman of the parade’s board of directors, as light rain fell over the participants. “We’re getting a little bit of rain at the moment, but as we Irish call it, it’s just liquid sunshine.” The New York celebration, now taking place for its 264th year, dates back to 1762 — fourteen years before the United States declared its independence. The Manhattan parade continued through the afternoon, concluding on the east side of Central Park, about 35 blocks from its starting point. That route is significantly longer than Hot Springs, Arkansas, which claims to host the World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade, measuring only 98 feet.
Meanwhile, the Savannah parade attracted thousands of revelers who packed the sidewalks and historic squares decked out in gaudy green costumes. The South's largest St. Patrick’s Day parade celebrated its 200th anniversary last year, tracing its origins back to when Irish immigrants marched to church back in March 1824. Lindsey Dodd, who has seen Savannah’s parade for about 15 years, was there sporting green hair braids, green lipstick, and shamrock-decorated socks. “I just enjoy the festivities, people watching, the chaos,” she said. “There’s just something special about Savannah.”
Other American cities with significant Irish heritage also held festivities over the weekend. Chicago dyed its namesake river bright green on March 15, kicking off their celebrations. Meanwhile, both Boston and Philadelphia held their parades on March 16, encapsulating the spirit of the holiday across major hubs of Irish culture. The water in the White House fountain was dyed green, continuing the tradition begun by President Barack Obama.
Across the Atlantic, Dublin concluded its three-day festival with its own parade, with cities such as Liverpool, which share a rich Irish immigrant history, hosting their own celebrations as well. These parades commemorate Ireland’s patron saint but have evolved significantly to represent global celebrations of Irish heritage. They were initially popularized by Irish immigrant communities as displays of solidarity during times of discrimination and opposition.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul reflected on her Irish roots, sharing her family story about ancestors who faced struggles as potato farmers and fishermen from County Kerry. “I live the American dream because my Irish immigrant grandparents came to this country as teenagers,” the governor stated proudly as she walked along the parade route. “I’m humbled by their story. That is the story of so many New Yorkers.”
Through vibrant colors, music, and marching bands, St. Patrick's Day remains not just about honoring the past, but also celebrating the influence of Irish culture on American soil. With parades and gatherings now transcending mere observances, they provide communities everywhere with opportunities to unite and commemorate the rich fabric woven by generations of Irish immigrants.
