NEW YORK — Across the United States, the vibrant celebration of St. Patrick’s Day unfolded with a series of parades, symbolizing the rich Irish heritage. This annual festivity featured impressive spectacles in cities from the bustling streets of Manhattan to the historic paths of Savannah.
In New York City, one of the oldest and largest parades in the country made its way through Manhattan, showcasing school bands alongside traditional Irish pipe and drum ensembles. Uniformed delegations from the city’s police and fire departments added to the grandeur as they marched along Fifth Avenue. The procession moved past elegant shops and the architectural marvel of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the center of the Catholic Archdiocese of New York.
Mayor Eric Adams fully embraced the occasion, sporting a green cap and scarf while energetically waving the Irish flag. Meanwhile, Catholic Archbishop Timothy Dolan warmly interacted with participants, adorned in the colors of the Irish flag with a distinctive sash.
Ryan Hanlon, vice chairman of the parade’s board, expressed his excitement amidst a light drizzle, referring to it as “liquid sunshine.” The New York parade boasts a rich history, with origins dating back to 1762, well before the U.S. Declaration of Independence. This year’s event stretched through a significant part of the afternoon, concluding near the east side of Central Park, several blocks from its starting point.
Contrasting the extensive route of New York, the resort town of Hot Springs, Arkansas, humorously claimed the title of hosting the World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade with its 98-foot stretch.
In Savannah, Georgia, the streets were alive with thousands of festive revelers donning green attire amidst historic backdrops. The city’s parade, noted as the South’s largest, has its beginnings in March 1824 when Irish immigrants marched to church. Lindsey Dodd, a long-time attendee, expressed her joy at witnessing the merry chaos characterized by children’s horns and celebratory beverages.
Cities with significant Irish influence held their celebrations over the weekend. Chicago dyed its river green to mark the occasion, while Boston and Philadelphia held their parades a day prior. Even the White House fountain joined in, turning green in a nod to tradition established during Barack Obama’s presidency.
On the other side of the Atlantic, Dublin celebrated St. Patrick’s Day with a major parade, while Liverpool and other cities recognized the feast day with their own events. These parades, while honoring Ireland’s patron saint, have grown internationally, celebrating global Irish heritage rooted in community strength and the enduring spirit stemming from immigrant communities.
Remembering her own Irish roots, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul reflected on her ancestors from County Kerry who overcame hardships in Ireland. She acknowledged their struggles but highlighted how they paved the way for opportunities in America, such as her own achievements, underscoring the common immigrant story shared by many in New York.