Party On!
Saint Patrick, who lived during the fifth century, is the patron saint and national apostle of Ireland and is credited with bringing Christianity to its people. In the centuries following Patrick’s death, the mythology surrounding his life became ever more ingrained in the Irish culture.
Interestingly, however, the first parade held to honor St. Patrick’s Day took place not in Ireland but in the United States. On March 17, 1762, Irish soldiers serving in the English military marched through New York City. Over the next 35 years, Irish patriotism among American immigrants flourished, and in 1848 the first official New York City St. Patrick’s Day was held.
Today, that parade is the world’s oldest civilian parade and the largest in the United States, with over 150,000 participants. The parade takes more than five hours from start to finish! Locally, people celebrate with traditional St. Patrick’s Day
food and drink including green beer, corned beef sandwiches and of course, wearing green so you won’t get pinched.
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