The NYC St. Patrick's Day parade was started in 1762 by Irish soldiers who were serving in the British Army. The parade has been going strong ever since and is now known as the world's
Photo copyright to: Ancella Simoes via Flickr
largest St. Patrick's Day parade. On March 17, 2011, experience the parade first hand and show off your Irish pride. It runs from 44th Street to 86th Street via Fifth Avenue. Start time is 11am and end time is about 5pm. Approximately 200,000 people march in the parade each year.
There is absolutely no public alcohol consumption allowed at the parade or on public transportation. Due to the event, there will be extra trains and buses running, so make sure to check schedules.
After the parade, head out to one of the Irish pubs in NYC. Considering the amount of spectators, almost any Irish pub you walk into will be packed for much of the day. Keep in mind that police will be out in full force.
As with every parade in NYC, take public transportation and arrive early to get a good spot – you'll be competing with around two million spectators for a view . If you do decide to drive in, keep in mind that there will be several streets closed and parking in a parking garage could be more money than usual. This year, the Grand Marshall is world-renowned writer Mary Higgins Clark, who grew up in the Bronx.
Sources:
Official Website of New York City Saint Patrick's Day Parade
Mary Higgens Clark
Holidash: St. Patrick's Day Parades
NYCVP: St. Patrick's Day Parade History and Trivia
History: St. Patrick's Day
MTAPhoto Source: Photo copyright belongs to
Ancella Simoes via Flickr
