St. Patricks Day Parade
New York's St. Patrick's Day Parade has marched up Fifth Avenue over 200 consecutive times every St. Patrick's Day. Starting at 44th Street and Fifth Avenue, the parade marches up the street until 86th Street with nearly 150,000 participants. Millions line the street to catch a glimpse of the festive celebration and soak in the atmosphere.
The original parade in New York was held in 1766 by Irishmen who served in the army for the American colonies, but now is organized by Irish fraternal and beneficial societies who are in charge of organizing and hosting the event.
Some of the best viewing spots are in the northern part of the parade route in the Upper East Side away from the busy sidewalks in Midtown. Floats, automobiles and other more commercial aspects of modern parades are not allowed. But plenty of marchers will keep the excitement going as high school bands, bagpipe players and orchestras take to the streets.