The first St. Patrick’s Day parade took place not in Ireland but in America. Records show that a St. Patrick’s Day parade was held on March 17, 1601 in the Spanish colony of St. Augustine History of St. Patrick’s Day Parades Around the World. New York City and the First St. Patrick’s Day Parade One of the earliest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in America took place in Boston Huge Crowds Flocked to the St. Patrick's Day Parade . Parades on St. Patrick’s Day continued throughout the early 1800s, and the early parades would often consist of processions marching from parish churches in the city to the original St. Patrick's Cathedral on Mott Street. Saint Patrick’s Day, feast day (March 17) of St. Patrick, patron saint of Ireland. People of that country celebrate the day with religious services and feasts, but Saint Patrick’s Day has transformed into a largely secular holiday of revelry in other parts of the world. Whether observed through quiet reflection, attending a church service, or enjoying a lively parade with friends, St. Patrick’s Day continues to be a unifying occasion that honors the Irish spirit. The holiday’s journey from a solemn day of prayer to an international festival is a testament to the resilience and pride of the Irish people. A religious feast day in Ireland since the 17th century, St. Patrick’s Day became a national holiday in 1903. Low-key observances were typical into the 20th century, and until the 1970s many The correct abbreviation for Saint Patrick's Day is "St. Paddy's Day," not "St. Patty's Day." The first St. Patrick's Day parade in the United States took place in St. Augustine, Florida, in 1601. New World St Patricks Day. The first ever record of a St. Patricks Day parade in the New World honouring the Catholic Feast Day of St. Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint was held in what is now St. Augustine, Florida on March 17 th, 1601. While this was the first recorded St Patricks day parade early Irish settlers to the American colonies may In 2008, St Patrick's Day religious celebrations in Ireland were moved forward two days to 15 March because 17 March 2008 fell on the second day of Easter Week, a celebration which takes priority over any other feast days. In 1940, the religious celebrations of St Patrick's Day were also moved when the day clashed with Palm Sunday. The New York City St. Patrick's Day parade is the world's oldest civilian parade and the largest in the United States. 4. Chicago began its annual tradition of turning the Chicago River green on The NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade today is run under a separate corporation, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Inc. In 2002, NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade was dedicated to the “Heroes of 9/11 honoring the police, fire and other rescue workers. At midday the entire Parade stretching one and half miles paused for two minutes. THE PARADE'S HISTORY Bostonians were the first to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in North America. On March 17, 1737, as a gesture of solidarity among the city’s new Irish immigrants, Boston’s Irish community joined together in festivities of their homeland and to honor the memory of the below Patron Saint of Ireland. Banquets and parades The first recorded parade honoring the Catholic feast day of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is held in what is now St. Augustine, Florida. Records show that a St. Patrick’s Day parade The Rochester St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a cherished annual tradition that brings the community together in a lively celebration of Irish heritage, unity, and pride. Since its founding in 1977, the parade has grown into one of the city's largest and most spirited parades, filling the streets of downtown Rochester with vibrant floats, marching bands, dance groups, and local organizations Montréal is a city that prides itself on its multicultural vibrancy, where diverse communities coexist harmoniously and contribute to the city’s unique character. As we approach the 200th Montréal St. Patrick's Day Parade, there's no better time to come together and celebrate the rich history and cultural diversity that defines our beloved The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is in its 196th year. The first publicly-held St. Patrick’s Day parade was in 1824 and organized by the Hibernian Society. “The parade was pretty much established for the purpose of the Irish families celebrating the patron saint of St. Patrick,” explains Norris. World's Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade in Conklin, Michigan. The parade, which seemingly started out as a joke, has been a part of St. Patrick's Day in Conklin for nearly 40 years. Every year, the parade starts at 10:55 a.m. and is usually finished by 11:00 a.m. Why? This means that the parade has been a fixture in New York City for the past 262 years, with military units organizing the event for the first few years, according to NYC Saint Patrick's Day Inc. This year marks the 141st St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Atlanta, making it one of the longest continuously running parades in the city.The event was started in 1858 by the Hibernian Benevolent The NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade has inspired similar celebrations across the globe, showcasing the universal appeal of Irish culture and the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day. Frequently Asked Questions. What is the history behind the NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade? The NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the oldest and largest of its kind, started
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |