Saint Patrick's Day is celebrated around the world on March 17. The St Patrick's Day Parade is a major aspect of the celebrations. In United States, the largest parade takes place in New York City.
New York City Parade
The parade in New York City is a major St. Patrick's Day parade. It takes place on Fifth Avenue and usually features about 150,000 marchers. Christine C. Quinn, the city council speaker, has boycotted the parade since 2006, when she was invited to speak. Quinn is openly homosexual and chose to boycott the parade after organizers asked her not to display any gay pride symbols during the parade.The New York Times: Quinn to Mark St. Patrick’s Day Elsewhere (March 16, 2009)
Saint Patrick's Day
Saint Patrick's Day honors Saint Patrick, a patron saint of Ireland. Saint Patrick was kidnapped from England, brought to Ireland, and sold as a slave. He escaped and returned to England, but later returned to Ireland as a missionary. The day is celebrated by wearing green, drinking Irish stout and eating Irish food.
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Fast Facts
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St. Patrick's Day is celebrated on March 17
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Honors Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland
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First New York City parade was held in 1766
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Before 1766, the parades took place in Boston
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The St Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland is only one part of a five day celebration
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The traditional colors of Saint Patrick's Day in the U.S. are green and gold
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Green is considered an unlucky color in Ireland
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Largest U.S. parade is held in New York City
