Most people recognize St. Patrick’s Day as a time to drink beer, wear green, celebrate their Irishness and of course, attend parades.
Probably among the most famous, oldest and largest in the world is the St. Patty’s Day Parade held in New York City — with the first one taking place 262 years ago on March 17, 1762 — 14 years before the Declaration of Independence was signed. The parade is always held on March 17, except when the day falls on a Sunday, as it will this year. Then it’s held on March 16.
The first parade was made up of a band of homesick, Irish ex-patriots and Irish military members serving with the British Army stationed in the colonies in New York.
Around 1851 the “Irish” 69th Regiment began to lead the marchers, and it is still the first group to lead the parade up New York City’s famed Fifth Avenue. But as we all know the parade also has come a long way from its roots.
Over the years, numerous other groups have become part of the parade, along with many grand marshals. This year’s grand marshal is Maggie Timoney, president & CEO of Heineken USA. In previous years, business leaders, religious figures, judges, lawmakers, actors and actresses, among others, have served as grand marshals.
The one thing you will not see in the New York parade? Floats or motorized vehicles.
Visit nycstpatricksparade.org